Case: Willey v. Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees

1:23-cv-00069 | U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming

Filed Date: April 20, 2023

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

At the start of the 2022-23 school year, Sweetwater County School District No. 1 in Wyoming adopted a new policy pertaining to the use of transgender students’ preferred name and pronouns in school. The policy required school staff to use a student’s preferred name and pronoun if the student asks (Preferred Names Policy). The policy further prohibited school staff from disclosing the transgender student’s name and pronouns to the student’s parents without their permission, even if the parents s…

At the start of the 2022-23 school year, Sweetwater County School District No. 1 in Wyoming adopted a new policy pertaining to the use of transgender students’ preferred name and pronouns in school. The policy required school staff to use a student’s preferred name and pronoun if the student asks (Preferred Names Policy). The policy further prohibited school staff from disclosing the transgender student’s name and pronouns to the student’s parents without their permission, even if the parents specifically ask (Student Privacy Policy). Plaintiffs in this case are the parents of a student attending Black Butte High School in Sweetwater County. Their child requested that the school refer to him by his preferred name and he/him pronouns, which differed from the name and gender marker on his birth certificate. One of the parent plaintiffs is also a teacher in the school district. Upon finding out that the school had been referring to her child as a boy without notifying her, the plaintiffs brought a lawsuit against Sweetwater County School District No. 1 on April 20, 2023 in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming.

The complaint alleged that the school district’s Preferred Names Policy violated plaintiff’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech and free exercise of religion as a teacher by compelling her to use names and pronouns inconsistent with her religious beliefs. The complaint also alleged that the Student Privacy Policy violated plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment due process right to direct the upbringing of their children and to familial privacy, and their First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion. Represented by the Child & Parental Rights Campaign as well as private counsel, plaintiffs brought this case against Sweetwater School District, three district officials, and the principal of Black Butte High School, a high school in the district. Plaintiffs asked for declaratory relief, injunctive relief enjoining the school district from following the Preferred Names and Student Privacy policies, and monetary damages for psychological and emotional distress. Judge Kelly H. Rankin presides over the case.

On April 21, 2023, plaintiffs moved for preliminary injunction enjoining defendants from continuing to follow their Preferred Names and Student Privacy policies while the case proceeded. The court determined that it would rule on preliminary injunction without hearing oral argument, and while the ruling was pending, defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim on June 29, 2023.

The district court ruled on plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction on June 30, 2023, denying and granting it in part. Regarding the Preferred Names Policy, the court found that the policy was neutral (i.e. did not target plaintiffs’ religion) and that the policy rationally related to defendant’s legitimate goal of complying with Title IX and avoiding discrimination against transgender students. Therefore, the court denied preliminary injunction relating to the Preferred Names Policy and allowed the policy to remain in effect while the case proceeded. Regarding the Student Privacy Policy, the court similarly found plaintiffs’ first amendment claim unpersuasive, since the policy was neutral and did not target plaintiffs’ religion. Furthermore, the court was largely unpersuaded by plaintiffs’ due process claims to direct the upbringing of their child and to familial privacy, reasoning that plaintiffs were asking the court to extend both due process rights far beyond the bounds of current case law. On the other hand, the court took issue with the portion of the Student Privacy Policy which required school staff to keep a student’s preferred name and pronouns secret from parents even if a parent asks, including lying to parents if necessary. The court found that such a policy “shocks the conscience” and could cause irreparable harm to plaintiffs. Under this reasoning, the court partially granted preliminary injunction. Specifically, absent a reasonable concern of physical harm or abuse, the court enjoined the school district from precluding a school district employee from responding to a parent’s inquiry regarding their child’s requested name or pronouns or requiring an employee to lie to parents about a student’s requested name or pronouns. In all other respects, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. 680 F.Supp.3d 1250.

On July 20, 2023, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which removed the claim that the Student Privacy Policy violated plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment due process right to familial privacy. Otherwise, the parties and remaining claims in the amended complaint stayed the same. In response to the amended complaint, also on July 20, 2023, the court denied defendants June 29 Motion to Dismiss as moot, since it addressed the initial complaint and not the operative amended complaint.

Defendants filed a new motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim on August 17, 2023, and as of October 31, 2023, the motion remains pending before the district court.

Summary Authors

Sarah Portwood (10/31/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67232945/parties/willey-v-sweetwater-county-school-district-no-1-board-of-trustees/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Broyles, Vernadette Ramirez (Wyoming)

Giouvalakis, Athina (Wyoming)

Jr, Henry F (Wyoming)

Attorney for Defendant

Chaney, L Kathleen (Wyoming)

Hevenor, Eric (Wyoming)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:23-cv-00069

Verified Complaint for Declaratory Relief, Injunctive Relief and Damages

Welley v. Sweetwater County School District #1 Board of Trustees

April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

Complaint
24

1:23-cv-00069

Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Willey v. Sweetwater County School District #1 Board of Trustees

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Order/Opinion

680 F.Supp.3d 1250

27

1:23-cv-00069

Order Denying Motion to Dismiss without Prejudice

Willey v. Sweetwater County School District #1 Board of Trustees

July 20, 2023

July 20, 2023

Order/Opinion
26

1:23-cv-00069

First Amended Complaint for Declaratory Relief, Injunctive Relief and Damages

Willey v. Sweetwater County School District #1 Board of Trustees

July 20, 2023

July 20, 2023

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67232945/willey-v-sweetwater-county-school-district-no-1-board-of-trustees/

Last updated Aug. 15, 2025, 2:53 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT (Filing fee $402 receipt #CHY 2-1408), filed by Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Consent to Proceed Before USMJ) (Court Staff, szf) (Entered: 04/20/2023)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Consent to Proceed Before USMJ

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April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

Clearinghouse

Financial Entry

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
2

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Henry F Bailey, Jr on behalf of Ashley Willey, Sean Willey (Bailey, Henry) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
3

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Kelly H Rankin. MOTION for Mary E. McAlister to appear pro hac vice; Check not tendered; filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Proposed Order)(Bailey, Henry) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
4

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Kelly H Rankin. MOTION for Vernadette R. Broyles to appear pro hac vice; Check not tendered; filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Proposed Order)(Bailey, Henry) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
5

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Kelly H Rankin. MOTION for Ernest G. Trakas to appear pro hac vice; Check not tendered; filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Proposed Order)(Bailey, Henry) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
6

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit)(Bailey, Henry) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

1 Affidavit

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April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
7

MEMORANDUM in Support of 6 Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Bailey, Henry) (Entered: 04/21/2023)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
8

ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin granting 3 MOTION for Mary E. McAlister to appear pro hac vice; granting 4 MOTION for Vernadette R. Broyles to appear pro hac vice; granting 5 MOTION for Ernest G. Trakas to appear pro hac vice. (cc: Counsel via email) (Court Staff, skb) Modified text on 4/25/2023 (Court Staff, skb). (Entered: 04/21/2023)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER

FINANCIAL ENTRY: PAYMENT OF $300 RECEIVED FOR PRO HAC VICE FEES FOR MARY E McALISTER, ERNEST G TRAKAS, & VERNADETTE R BROYLES. RECEIPT 2-1418. (Court Staff, sjk)

April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023

PACER
9

Notice of Pro Hac Vice Attorney Appearance by Mary Elizabeth McAlister on behalf of Ashley Willey, Sean Willey Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AWYDC-2250365. (McAlister, Mary) Modified on 4/25/2023 to strike filing fee, as fee was already paid on 4/21/23 with receipt 2-1418. Fee voided via Pay.gov on 4/25/23(Court Staff, sjk). (Entered: 04/25/2023)

April 25, 2023

April 25, 2023

PACER
10

Notice of Pro Hac Vice Attorney Appearance by Vernadette Ramirez Broyles on behalf of Ashley Willey, Sean Willey Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AWYDC-2250368 . (Broyles, Vernadette) Modified on 4/25/2023 to strike filing fee, as fee was already paid on 4/21/23 with receipt 2-1418. Fee voided via Pay.gov on 4/25/23 (Court Staff, sjk). (Entered: 04/25/2023)

April 25, 2023

April 25, 2023

PACER
11

Notice of Pro Hac Vice Attorney Appearance by Ernest Trakas on behalf of Ashley Willey, Sean Willey Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AWYDC-2250371. (Trakas, Ernest) Modified on 4/25/2023 to strike filing fee, as fee was already paid on 4/21/23 with receipt 2-1418. Fee voided via Pay.gov on 4/25/23 (Court Staff, sjk). (Entered: 04/25/2023)

April 25, 2023

April 25, 2023

PACER
12

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. Kayci Arnoldi 4/24/2023, answer due 6/23/2023; Bryant Blake 4/24/2023, answer due 6/23/2023; Nicole Bolton 4/24/2023, answer due 6/23/2023; Kelly McGovern 4/24/2023, answer due 6/23/2023; Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees 4/24/2023, answer due 6/23/2023 (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 05/01/2023)

May 1, 2023

May 1, 2023

PACER
13

NOTICE of Service re 6 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey (McAlister, Mary) Modified text on 5/3/2023 (Court Staff, skb). (Entered: 05/02/2023)

May 2, 2023

May 2, 2023

PACER
14

SCHEDULING ORDER re 6 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Sean Willey, Ashley Willey by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. Defendants shall file a responsive brief and any supporting materials no later than close of business (5:00 P.M. MST) on Monday, May 15, 2023. Plaintiffs shall file any reply no later than close of business (5:00 P.M. MST) on Monday, May 22, 2023. Given the nature of the issues presented, the Court will not order oral argument at this time and will decide the Motion on the submissions. See D. Wyo. Civ. R. 7.1(a). (Copy of Order sent to Defendants' counsel via email) (Court Staff, skb) (Entered: 05/02/2023)

May 2, 2023

May 2, 2023

PACER
15

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Kelly H Rankin. MOTION for Order to File Exhibits Under Seal filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Chaney, L) (Entered: 05/15/2023)

May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023

PACER
16

RESPONSE to 6 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix 1-Cover Page, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C-Cover Page, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Exhibit E, # 7 Exhibit F, # 8 Exhibit G, # 9 Exhibit H-Cover Page) (Chaney, L) (Entered: 05/15/2023)

1 Appendix 1-Cover Page

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2 Exhibit A

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3 Exhibit B

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4 Exhibit C-Cover Page

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5 Exhibit D

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6 Exhibit E

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7 Exhibit F

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8 Exhibit G

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9 Exhibit H-Cover Page

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May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023

RECAP
17

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin granting 15 Motion for Order. Defendants may file the requested exhibits under seal. (Court Staff, sjdl) (Entered: 05/16/2023)

May 16, 2023

May 16, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion for Order

May 16, 2023

May 16, 2023

PACER
18

NON-PUBLIC DOCUMENT pursuant to the Judicial Conference Policy on Privacy and Public Access - EXHIBIT in reference to 16 Response to Motion, Appendix 1, Exhibit C, and Exhibit H filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit C, # 2 Exhibit H) (Chaney, L) (Entered: 05/17/2023)

May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023

PACER
19

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by L Kathleen Chaney on behalf of Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees (Chaney, L) (Entered: 05/17/2023)

May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023

PACER
20

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Eric Hevenor on behalf of Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees (Hevenor, Eric) (Entered: 05/17/2023)

May 17, 2023

May 17, 2023

PACER
21

REPLY to 16 Response to Motion for Preliminary Injunction, filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Court Staff, skb) (Entered: 05/22/2023)

May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023

PACER
22

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin.The Court grants Defendants' unopposed request for an extension to answer or otherwise respond to Plaintiff's Complaint. Defendants shall file a responsive pleading on or before June 30, 2023. (Court Staff, sjgc) (Entered: 06/22/2023)

June 22, 2023

June 22, 2023

PACER

Order

June 22, 2023

June 22, 2023

PACER
23

MOTION to Dismiss Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Chaney, L) (Entered: 06/29/2023)

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

PACER
24

ORDER by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl granting in part and denying in part 6 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. It is ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction (ECF No. 6 ) is hereby GRANTED IN PART. As to the Student Privacy Policy, absent a reasonable concern of physical abuse or harm, the District is hereby enjoined from precluding a school district employee from responding to any minor student's parent's inquiry regarding their requested name or pronoun or from requiring a school district employee to lie about a student's request to be called by a different name or pronoun. It is further ORDERED that Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction (ECF No. 6 ) is hereby DENIED as to all other aspects of the Policy. (Court Staff, skb) (Entered: 06/30/2023)

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Clearinghouse
25

NOTICE by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey of Intent to Amend Complaint (FRCP 15) (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 07/06/2023)

July 6, 2023

July 6, 2023

PACER
26

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT for Declaratory Relief, Injunctive Relief and Damages with Jury Demand against All Defendants filed by Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I) (Trakas, Ernest) Modified text on 7/21/2023 (Court Staff, sjlg). Modified filer on 7/24/2023 (Court Staff, skb). (Entered: 07/20/2023)

July 20, 2023

July 20, 2023

Clearinghouse
27

ORDER by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl denying as moot without prejudice 23 Motion to Dismiss. (Court Staff, skb) (Entered: 07/20/2023)

July 20, 2023

July 20, 2023

Clearinghouse
28

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin. Upon unopposed Oral Motion, Defendants shall have up to and including August 17, 2023, to respond to Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint. (Court Staff, sjdl) (Entered: 07/25/2023)

July 25, 2023

July 25, 2023

PACER

Order

July 25, 2023

July 25, 2023

PACER
29

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Kelly H Rankin. MOTION for Order to File Exhibits Under Seal filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Chaney, L) (Entered: 08/17/2023)

Aug. 17, 2023

Aug. 17, 2023

PACER
30

MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B-Cover Page, # 3 Exhibit C-Cover Page, # 4 Exhibit D)(Chaney, L) Modified text on 8/18/2023 (Court Staff, skb). (Entered: 08/17/2023)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B-Cover Page

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3 Exhibit C-Cover Page

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4 Exhibit D

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Aug. 17, 2023

Aug. 17, 2023

PACER
31

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin. Plaintiffs shall respond to Defendants' Motion to File Exhibits Under Seal 29 on or before August 23, 2023. (Court Staff, sjgc) (Entered: 08/18/2023)

Aug. 18, 2023

Aug. 18, 2023

PACER

Order

Aug. 18, 2023

Aug. 18, 2023

PACER
32

RESPONSE to 29 MOTION for Order to File Exhibits Under Seal filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Trakas, Ernest) Modified filer on 8/18/2023 (Court Staff, skb). (Entered: 08/18/2023)

Aug. 18, 2023

Aug. 18, 2023

PACER
33

NOTICE re: Conferral on Statement on 29 MOTION for Order to File Exhibits Under Seal by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Hevenor, Eric) Modified text on 8/22/2023 (Court Staff, skb). (Entered: 08/21/2023)

Aug. 21, 2023

Aug. 21, 2023

PACER
34

ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin granting 29 Motion for Order. Defendants may file the referenced exhibits under seal and Plaintiffs' request for attorney fees is denied. Plaintiffs' counsel is directed to act in accordance with Local Rule 84.1(a)(3). (Court Staff, sjdl) (Entered: 08/21/2023)

Aug. 21, 2023

Aug. 21, 2023

RECAP
35

NON-PUBLIC DOCUMENT pursuant to the Judicial Conference Policy on Privacy and Public Access - EXHIBIT in reference to 30 Motion to Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction, Exhibit B and Exhibit C filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit C) (Chaney, L) (Entered: 08/21/2023)

Aug. 21, 2023

Aug. 21, 2023

PACER
36

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Kelly H Rankin. MOTION for Extension of Time (Non-Dispositive) requesting extension of time to respond to motion to dismiss filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 08/29/2023)

Aug. 29, 2023

Aug. 29, 2023

PACER
37

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin granting 36 Motion for Extension of Time. Plaintiff shall respond to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss 30 on or before September 18, 2023. (Court Staff, sjgc) (Entered: 08/30/2023)

Aug. 30, 2023

Aug. 30, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time Non-Dispositive

Aug. 30, 2023

Aug. 30, 2023

PACER
38

RESPONSE in Opposition re 30 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, to Dismiss Amended Complaint Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(6) filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 09/18/2023)

Sept. 18, 2023

Sept. 18, 2023

PACER
39

MOTION for Extension of Time (Dispositive) requesting extension of Reply in Support of Motion to Dismiss filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Chaney, L) (Entered: 09/22/2023)

Sept. 22, 2023

Sept. 22, 2023

PACER
40

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl granting 39 Motion for Extension of Time Defendants shall have up to and including October 9, 2023. COUNSEL ARE HEREBY REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO SUBMIT A PROPOSED ORDER WITH THEIR NON-DISPOSITIVE MOTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL RULE 7.1(b)(1)(E).(Skavdahl, Scott) Modified text on 9/25/2023 (Court Staff, semt). (Entered: 09/25/2023)

Sept. 25, 2023

Sept. 25, 2023

PACER

Order on Motion for Extension of Time - Dispositive

Sept. 25, 2023

Sept. 25, 2023

PACER
41

REPLY to 30 Motion to Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction, filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Chaney, L) (Entered: 10/09/2023)

Oct. 9, 2023

Oct. 9, 2023

RECAP
42

ORDER granting in part and denying in part Defendants' 30 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction. Plaintiffs may not proceed with any claims for declaratory and injunctive relief as to Claims One and Two but may proceed on a theory of nominal and compensatory damages on those claims. Plaintiff's Fourth Claim for relief is dismissed under Rule 12(b)(6), but Plaintiff's Third Claim survives dismissal. (Court Staff, semt) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

Dec. 18, 2023

Dec. 18, 2023

RECAP
43

ANSWER to 26 Amended Complaint, and Demand for Jury Trial with Affirmative Defenses, with Jury Demand, by Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Chaney, L) (Entered: 12/29/2023)

Dec. 29, 2023

Dec. 29, 2023

PACER
44

(TEXT-ONLY) NOTICE of Initial Pretrial Conference: BY TELEPHONE - All parties shall appear by telephone through the Court's conference call system. Guests call: 307-735-3644 Conference ID: 275 440 149#. Parties should have their calendars on hand for scheduling. Under Local Rule 16.1(a)(2) the parties are reminded to file a written Joint Case Management Plan three business days prior to the Initial Pretrial Scheduling Conference. The Plan form may be located at www.wyd.uscourts.gov/judges-info under Judge Rankin. Initial Pretrial Conference set for 2/12/2024 at 09:00 AM before Honorable Kelly H Rankin. (Court Staff, smxb) (Entered: 01/03/2024)

Jan. 3, 2024

Jan. 3, 2024

PACER

Notice of Hearing

Jan. 3, 2024

Jan. 3, 2024

PACER
45

JOINT CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN by Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 02/07/2024)

Feb. 7, 2024

Feb. 7, 2024

PACER
46

INITIAL PRETRIAL ORDER by the Honorable Kelly H Rankin. Amendment of Pleadings 4/12/2024. Dispositive Motions filing deadline 1/8/2025. Dispositive Motion response deadline 1/22/2025. Dispositive Motions Hearing set for 2/5/2025 01:00 PM in Casper Courtroom No. 2 (Room No. 204) before Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. Other Fact Witness Deadline 11/29/2024 Expert Witness Designation-Plaintiff deadline 9/30/2024. Expert Witness Designation-Defendant deadline 11/8/2024. Discovery due by 1/8/2025. Stipulation Deadline 2/12/2025. Motion in Limine deadline 2/12/2025. Motions in Limine Response Deadline 2/19/2025. Final Pretrial Conference set for 3/4/2025 01:00 PM in Casper Courtroom No. 2 (Room No. 204) before Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. Jury Trial (7 days/Stacked #1) set for 3/24/2025 09:00 AM in Casper Courtroom No. 2 (Room No. 204) before Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. (Court Staff, smxb) (Entered: 02/13/2024)

Feb. 12, 2024

Feb. 12, 2024

PACER
47

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER REASSIGNING REFERRAL JUDGE. Case has been reassigned to US Magistrate Judge Mark L. Carman as Referral Judge for all further proceedings; US Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick no longer assigned to case by the Honorable Scott W. Skavdahl.(Court Staff, szf) (Entered: 05/22/2024)

May 22, 2024

May 22, 2024

PACER

Reassigning Case

May 22, 2024

May 22, 2024

PACER
48

DISREGARD. Filing error - counsel to refile MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Mark L Carman. MOTION for Athina Giouvalakis to appear pro hac vice; Check not tendered; filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Athina Giouvalakis, # 2 Proposed Order)(Bailey, Henry) Modified text on 7/12/2024 (Court Staff, stmo). (Entered: 07/12/2024)

July 12, 2024

July 12, 2024

PACER
49

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Mark L Carman. MOTION for Athina Giouvalakis to appear pro hac vice; Check not tendered; filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Athina Giouvalakis, # 2 Proposed Order)(Bailey, Henry) (Entered: 07/12/2024)

July 12, 2024

July 12, 2024

PACER
50

ORDER by the US Magistrate Judge Mark L Carman granting 49 MOTION for Athina Giouvalakis to appear pro hac vice; filed by Sean Willey, Ashley Willey (cc: counsel via email) (Court Staff, semt) (Main Document 50 replaced to correct name spellings on 7/12/2024) (Court Staff, semt). (Entered: 07/12/2024)

July 12, 2024

July 12, 2024

PACER

Financial Entry

Aug. 12, 2024

Aug. 12, 2024

PACER

FINANCIAL ENTRY: $100 Pro Hac Vice Fee Paid (Receipt #2-3449) On Behalf of Athina Giouvalakis (Court Staff, stmo)

Aug. 12, 2024

Aug. 12, 2024

PACER
51

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER REASSIGNING REFERRAL JUDGE. Case reassigned to Chief US Magistrate Judge Scott P Klosterman for all further non-dispositive matters; US Magistrate Judge Mark L Carman no longer assigned to case by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. (Court Staff, sjlg) (Entered: 09/18/2024)

Sept. 18, 2024

Sept. 18, 2024

PACER

Reassigning Case

Sept. 18, 2024

Sept. 18, 2024

PACER
52

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Scott P Klosterman. Joint MOTION for Extension of Time (Non-Dispositive) requesting extension of Initial Pretrial Order Deadlines filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 09/26/2024)

Sept. 26, 2024

Sept. 26, 2024

PACER
53

First Designation of Expert Witnesses by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

PACER
54

AMENDED INITIAL PRETRIAL ORDER by the US Magistrate Judge Scott P Klosterman. Motions filing deadline 3/24/2025. Motion response deadline 4/7/2025. Dispositive Motions Hearing set for 4/22/2025 01:00 PM in Casper Courtroom No. 2 (Room No. 204) before Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. Other Fact Witness Deadline 1/31/2025 Expert Witness Designation-Plaintiff deadline 11/29/2024. Expert Witness Designation-Defendant deadline 1/31/2025. Discovery due by 3/10/2025. Stipulation Deadline 4/21/2025. Motion in Limine deadline 4/21/2025. Motions in Limine Response Deadline 5/5/2025. Final Pretrial Conference set for 5/12/2025 01:00 PM in Casper Courtroom No. 2 (Room No. 204) before Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. Jury Trial set for 6/2/2025 09:00 AM in Casper Courtroom No. 2 (Room No. 204) before Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. (Stacked #1/7 Days)(Court Staff, sal) Added trial stack number and days on 10/1/2024 (Court Staff, semt). (Entered: 10/01/2024)

Oct. 1, 2024

Oct. 1, 2024

PACER
55

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Athina Giouvalakis on behalf of Ashley Willey, Sean Willey (Giouvalakis, Athina) (Entered: 10/01/2024)

Oct. 1, 2024

Oct. 1, 2024

PACER
56

NOTICE of Change of Address by Ernest Trakas, attorney on behalf of Ashley Willey, Sean Willey (Trakas, Ernest) (Entered: 01/14/2025)

Jan. 14, 2025

Jan. 14, 2025

PACER
57

Witness List by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Trakas, Ernest) (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER
58

Witness List by Defendants Kelly McGovern, Nicole Bolton, Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Chaney, L) (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER
59

Designation of Expert Witnesses by Defendants Kelly McGovern, Nicole Bolton, Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E) (Chaney, L) (Entered: 01/31/2025)

Jan. 31, 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

PACER
60

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Scott P Klosterman. MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney Athina Giouvalakis filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (McAlister, Mary) (Entered: 02/11/2025)

Feb. 11, 2025

Feb. 11, 2025

PACER
61

ORDER by the US Magistrate Judge Scott P Klosterman granting 60 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Athina Giouvalakis terminated from the case. (Court Staff, scmm) (Entered: 02/12/2025)

Feb. 12, 2025

Feb. 12, 2025

PACER
62

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER by the US Magistrate Judge Scott P Klosterman. On February 20, 2025, the Court held an informal discovery conference relating to Defendants' request that Plaintiffs provide Defendants with the location and contact information of A.S., Plaintiffs' daughter. Pursuant to Rule 26(a)(1)(A)(i) and 26(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, parties are obligated to provide opposing parties with the address and telephone number of each individual likely to have discoverable information and must supplement or correct that disclosure if it is incomplete or incorrect. After hearing the parties positions, the Court concludes that A.S. is likely to have discoverable information and the Plaintiffs shall therefore provide the current location and contact information for A.S. to the Defendants. (Court Staff, scmm) (Entered: 02/20/2025)

Feb. 20, 2025

Feb. 20, 2025

PACER

Order

Feb. 20, 2025

Feb. 20, 2025

PACER
63

MOTION for Summary Judgment, filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F)(Chaney, L) (Entered: 03/24/2025)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER
64

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Scott P Klosterman. MOTION to Exclude Testimony of Miriam Grossman, MD pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 and Fed. R. Evid. 702 filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Chaney, L) Modified event text on 3/27/2025 (Court Staff, semt). (Entered: 03/24/2025)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER
65

RESPONSE in Opposition re 64 MOTION to Strike filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Trakas, Ernest) (Entered: 03/31/2025)

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

PACER
66

MEMORANDUM in Opposition to 63 MOTION for Summary Judgment, filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit, # 14 Exhibit, # 15 Exhibit, # 16 Exhibit, # 17 Exhibit, # 18 Exhibit, # 19 Exhibit, # 20 Exhibit, # 21 Exhibit, # 22 Exhibit, # 23 Exhibit) (Trakas, Ernest) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER

Vacating Hearing

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
67

(TEXT-ONLY) Order by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl vacating the Dispositive Motions Hearing set for April 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM, and allowing movant to file a reply brief on or before April 15, 2025, in order to expedite the Court's ruling process, given the impending deadlines. (Court Staff, semt) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
68

REPLY to Plaintiff's Objection to Conferral re 65 Response, filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Hevenor, Eric) Modified event text on 4/9/2025 (Court Staff, semt). Modified event text on 4/17/2025 (Court Staff, semt). (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
69

REPLY in Support of 63 Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C) (Chaney, L) Modified text and links on 4/22/2025 (Court Staff, semt). (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER
70

SUPPLEMENT re 63 Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Hevenor, Eric) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER
71

SUPPLEMENT re 63 Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Hevenor, Eric) (Entered: 04/18/2025)

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

PACER
72

MOTION in Limine regarding Exclusion of Testimony and/or Evidence filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Trakas, Ernest) (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

PACER
73

PLAINTIFFS' PROPOSED STIPULATION OF FACTS filed by Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Trakas, Ernest) Modified text on 4/22/2025 (Court Staff, scat). (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

PACER
74

JOINT STIPULATION OF FACTS filed by Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Trakas, Ernest) Modified text on 4/22/2025 (Court Staff, scat). (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

PACER
75

MOTION in Limine regarding Exclusion of Evidence filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Chaney, L) (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

PACER
76

MOTION REFERRED TO Judge Scott P Klosterman. Emergency MOTION for Order Prohibiting Pre-Trial Publicity and MOTION for Sanctions filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Chaney, L). Added MOTION for Sanctions relief an modified text on 4/28/2025 (Court Staff, sjlg). (Entered: 04/24/2025)

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

PACER
77

SUPPLEMENT re 76 MOTION for Order Prohibiting Pre-Trial Publicity and MOTION for Sanctions filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B) (Chaney, L) Modified text on 4/28/2025 (Court Staff, sjlg). (Entered: 04/25/2025)

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

PACER
78

RESPONSE in Opposition re 76 Emergency MOTION for Order Prohibiting Pre-Trial Publicity and MOTION for Sanctions filed by Plaintiffs Ashley Willey, Sean Willey. (Trakas, Ernest) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

PACER
79

MOTION to Disqualify Exclude Testimony of Miriam Grossman, MD Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 26 and Fed.R.Evid. 702 filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D)(Chaney, L) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

PACER
80

ORDER granting 63 Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff Sean Willey is dismissed from the action. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendants Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED. Summary Judgment is granted in Defendants' favor and against Plaintiff Ashley Willey on all remaining claims - Counts I, II and III. IT IS FINALLY ORDERED that all pending motions are denied as moot. The Clerk of Court will please enter a final judgment terminating this case and all settings. (Court Staff, scat) (Entered: 04/28/2025)

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

RECAP
81

JUDGMENT in favor of Defendants against Plaintiff, Ashley Willey by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl.(Court Staff, scat)The AO133 Bill of Cost form is available at https://www.wyd.uscourts.gov/forms/bill-costs. (Entered: 04/28/2025)

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

PACER
82

BILL OF COSTS filed by Defendants Kayci Arnoldi, Bryant Blake, Nicole Bolton, Kelly McGovern, Sweetwater County School District No 1 Board of Trustees. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F) (Chaney, L) (Additional attachment(s) added on 5/20/2025: # 7 AO 133 Form) (Court Staff, semt). (Entered: 05/12/2025)

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

PACER
83

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER re 82 BILL OF COSTS by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. Defendants may have until May 21, 2025, to supplement their bill of costs with the information necessary to determine an award of costs under Local Civil Rule 54.2(a). Plaintiff's objection deadline to the bill of costs is 14 days after the supplementation deadline.(Court Staff, semt) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025

PACER

Order

May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025

PACER
84

(TEXT-ONLY) ORDER re 82 BILL OF COSTS by the Honorable Scott W Skavdahl. Defendants may have until May 30, 2025, to supplement the bill of costs with the information necessary to determine an award of costs under Local Civil Rule 54.2(f)(2)(C). Defendant's objection deadline to the bill of costs is 14 days after the supplementation deadline. (Court Staff, semt) (Entered: 05/23/2025)

May 23, 2025

May 23, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Wyoming

Case Type(s):

Education

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 20, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Parents of a student who requested the school district to use a name and pronouns which differed from those on his birth certificate, with one of the parents also working as an employee in the school district

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Sweetwater County School District, School District

Defendant Type(s):

Elementary/Secondary School

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Due Process: Substantive Due Process

Free Exercise Clause

Freedom of speech/association

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Preliminary relief denied

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Parents (visitation, involvement)

School/University policies

Discrimination Basis:

Gender identity

Religion discrimination

Affected Sex/Gender(s):

Transgender

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+