Teacher sues Kansas school board over transgender pronouns demand
A teacher in Kansas has filed a lawsuit after she was disciplined by her school district. Pamela Ricard has filed a lawsuit against the Geary County school board citing religious discrimination. Ricard filed the suit after she refused to use students’ preferred gender pronouns. The teacher refused to address a student as anything other than their actual gender. Ricard says she refused due to her Christian faith. Officials disciplined Ms. Ricard claiming she violated bullying, diversity, and inclusion policies for the county. Attorneys for the teacher noted that there were no guidelines in the district until after Ms. Ricard refused to obey their requests. The attorneys for the teacher are seeking compensation for damages and removing these claims from her disciplinary record.
Transgender wins NCAA women’s swimming championship
More controversy with the NCAA as a transgender swimmer has won the women’s NCAA championship. A competitive swimmer who goes by the name Lia Thomas won the 500-yard freestyle. The swimmer was born male and announced he would identify as a female staring in 2019. The swimmer has since dominated women’s competitive swimming in collegiate sports. Students and parents alike have complained about Thomas being allowed to swim against biological women. The NCAA rule change has sparked outrage including the resignation of a NCAA swimming official who had previously worked with the organization for 30 years. Complaints are now being filed in court to stop the inclusion of transgender athletes competing against biological female athletes. The groups have gotten support from an unexpected source: former Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner who now goes by Caitlyn Jenner. Jenner who now wants to be recognized as a woman says the biological advantage of a man is unfair. Jenner says, “biological boys should not compete in women’s sports, we have to protect women’s sports…that’s the bottom line.”
Texas Supreme Court upholds abortion law
The Texas Supreme Court has ruled against a legal challenge of a state abortion law. The court ruled against the Center for Reproductive Rights during their appeal. The group was attempting to overturn Texas state law Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Act.
The law bans abortions after six weeks in that state. State officials in support of the law say the ruling is a big victory for pro-life groups. Supporters of the law report a 50-60 percent drop in abortions in the state since the law passed. Several state governments including Florida, and Mississippi have passed abortion laws protecting the lives of unborn children. Some of the cases are expected to be appealed to the US Supreme Court which has ruled more conservative in recent cases.
SNBC Health report: the health benefits of strength training
Exercise is beneficial to the human body; according to health experts strength training activities are beneficial to the body in a number of ways. Research finds just 30 to 60 minutes of strength training per week shows an improvement in the human body. Training with weights improves bone health, heart health and helps increase energy. It helps with weight loss, improves mood, and helps lower risk of injury. It also helps to manage blood sugar and enhances cognitive health. For those interested in strength training remember lifting weights does not cause people to bulk up especially women. Strength training burns fat so most who lift weights become lean. When starting a health routine especially when starting strength always consult with a trainer, or a trusted health specialist.