Teacher Sues WCSD Over “Brave Space”

A Teacher with the Washoe County School District (WCSD) has taken legal action against the agency, citing a violation of his constitutional rights. Richard Scott Mead asserts that Administration Regulation 5161 (AR 5161) directly contradicted his religious beliefs and led to his suspension.

AR 5161, adopted by the WCSD, prohibits school staff from informing parents about changes in their child’s gender identity, sexual orientation, pronouns, and transgender status. This regulation effectively allows the WCSD to make significant decisions regarding a child’s identity without parental input, including name changes, pronoun usage, and access to facilities based on gender identity.

Furthermore, a controversial program known as “Brave Space” has been implemented, granting students autonomy over matters of gender identity and non-conformity while bypassing parental involvement. Mead argues that such actions violate his religious beliefs and raise legal concerns regarding AR 5161 and associated training programs.

Upon receiving Brave Space Training, Mead sought legal counsel to understand the legality of the WCSD’s actions. However, instead of addressing his concerns, the WCSD responded by suspending him without pay and tarnishing his professional reputation, hindering his career advancement within WCSD.

It marks the first case brought by a teacher against the district for the implementation of AR 5161. A similar case, filed by a parent and child, awaits a decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Attorneys Sigal Chattah and Joey Gilbert will represent the plaintiffs in both cases.