The Fort Osage R 1 School District (FOSD) received notice in early March of a lawsuit filed in federal court. Court documents show that Mx. Olivia Jackson, a former student teacher, filed suit against the district alleging discrimination based on their gender status. FOSD Director of Public Relations Ms. Stephanie Smith provided this statement from the district.

“The Complaint in this matter contains numerous inaccuracies and mistruths—both as to individuals mentioned and as to the Fort Osage R-1 School District.  We will vigorously defend against this lawsuit and address the substance of those inaccuracies and mistruths in our pleadings. The District is an equal opportunity employer and makes decisions about the hiring of teachers based on their ability to serve our students, regardless of their gender or gender identity,” the statement said.

According to court documents, the plaintiff was following established protocols set by the University of Missouri Columbia Department of Education, which instructs teachers to introduce themselves to their classes by using their chosen and appropriate pronouns. According to court documents, Mx. Jackson claims that, “they were discriminated against by refusing to hire them based on their sex; specifically, that Plaintiff is non-binary and/or because Plaintiff did not conform to Defendant’s sex or gender-based preferences, expectations, or stereotypes.” 

Junior Christopher Brown feels that the lawsuit has made an impact in the building and that all people should be treated equally.  

“I am against what the specified individuals did and are claimed to have said against this person,” Brown said. “I think it’s important to call things out when we see it.”

The district has been sued five times since 2003 according to Jackson County Circuit Court records. Freshman Alexis Dang feels that everyone in the building should be treated equally. 

“People deserve to express themselves how they want, even if others don’t agree,” Dang said.

According to court dockets, currently there is no trial date set for this lawsuit.