Grants Pass educators “I Resolve” case to be heard by 9th Circuit Court

GRANTS PASS, Ore.– A local case NBC5 News has been following since 2021, will go before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals next week.

A federal judge sided with the Grants Pass School District in the “I Resolve” lawsuit last year.

In July of 2021 Rachel Damiano, who now goes by Rachel Sager and Katie Medart, were fired for using district equipment for a personal project.

The educators were sharing their personal beliefs on proposed LGBTQ+ legislation on the internet.

Both were later reinstated by the school board, leading to a large walkout of Grants Pass High School students in protest.

Despite their reinstatement, they filed a federal lawsuit against the district and alleged their first amendments rights were violated.

Medart still works for the Grants Pass School District.

Sager left the district and now works at a charter school.

© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.

Former NBC5 News reporter Derek Strom is from Renton, Washington. He recently graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communications at Washington State University with a degree in Broadcast News and a minor in Sports Management. He played in the drumline with the WSU marching band. These days, he plays the guitar and piano. Derek is a devoted fan of the Mariners, Seahawks, and Kraken.
Skip to content