Policies & Impacts

Oregon High School Athletes File First Amendment Lawsuit Over Podium Protest

A lawsuit claimed two girls’ First Amendment rights were infringed when they were punished for protesting a decision to allow a male in an a girls’ event.
Oregon High School Athletes File First Amendment Lawsuit Over Podium Protest
Demonstrators listen to the speaking program during an "Our Bodies, Our Sports" rally for the 50th anniversary of Title IX at Freedom Plaza in the District of Columbia on June 23, 2022. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes
Freelance reporter
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The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) filed a lawsuit on July 23 on behalf of two Oregon high school athletes, alleging that the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) violated their First Amendment rights by punishing their peaceful protest of a boy competing in a girls’ high jump event.

Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard earned medals in the women’s high jump at the 2025 Oregon State high school track and field championships.

Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes
Freelance reporter
Scottie Barnes writes breaking news and investigative pieces for The Epoch Times from the Pacific Northwest. She has a background in researching the implications of public policy and emerging technologies on areas ranging from homeland security and national defense to forestry and urban planning.