Kansas teacher Pamela Ricard was suspended in 2021 for refusing to use a student’s preferred pronouns, citing her religious beliefs. She addressed the student by their last name, claiming it was a compromise. Ricard sued the Geary County School District,
arguing her constitutional rights were violated.Six months later, she won a $95,000 settlement, with the district revoking its parental communication policy and clearing her record. Ricard retired the same year, drawing widespread support for standing by her beliefs.
