Virginia School Board to Pay $575K to Teacher Fired Over Trans Pronoun Dispute

The settlement clears Peter Vlaming's firing record and results from a lawsuit claiming his religious beliefs were violated.

Peter Vlaming, a former French teacher, was fired in 2018 for refusing to use a transgender student's preferred pronouns, citing his religious beliefs.
The Virginia Supreme Court reinstated Vlaming's lawsuit in December 2023 after a lower court had dismissed it.
The West Point School Board agreed to a $575,000 settlement, which includes damages and attorney fees, and to expunge Vlaming’s termination from his record.
The school board will also change its policies to align with new state guidelines emphasizing free speech and parental rights.
The case has sparked broader discussions about the balance between anti-discrimination policies and religious freedoms in educational settings.