Oregon Retaliation Case Ends After Girls Receive Medals
WASHINGTON, D.C. — America First Policy Institute (AFPI) announced today that its First Amendment lawsuit in Oregon, brought on behalf of high school athletes Alexa Anderson and Reese Eckard, has been dismissed by agreement of the parties.
AFPI filed the lawsuit to protect the girls after officials with the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) retaliated against them for silently protesting the lack of fairness in girls’ sports.
The case brought national attention to the unconstitutional retaliation these girls faced, resulting in millions of Americans learning their story and rallying behind them. AFPI’s complaint also highlighted OSAA’s past practice of selectively embracing left-leaning protected speech — allegations the organization tried to strike from AFPI’s lawsuit, but a judge denied the attempt.
After filing suit, OSAA unceremoniously mailed the girls’ medals to their legal counsel. On November 6, 2025, live at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards ceremony, the girls received the recognition and medals they were denied before a national audience.
“We spoke up because what was happening wasn’t fair,” said athlete Alexa Anderson. “AFPI stood with us from day one, made sure our story was heard, helped bring attention to this issue and are continuing to help us fight for protections in girls’ sports. I’m grateful for everyone who supported us.”
Co-plaintiff Reese Eckhard agreed:
“Getting to stand up and say, ‘I don’t approve of this,’ is a basic right everyone learns in school. It was appalling that an actual school event tried to silence us.”
AFPI Director of Litigation Andrew Zimmitti said the resolution of this case doesn’t affect the organization’s separate and ongoing Title IX lawsuit against OSAA, which challenges the association’s policy of allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports.
“This case did exactly what it needed to do,” said Zimmitti. “We protected these young women, we exposed how officials retaliated against them for expressing the truth, and we elevated their story to a national audience. Now we continue the real fight—restoring Title IX and defending girls’ sports across America.”
AFPI will continue to stand with student athletes in Oregon and nationwide as it advances its broader litigation strategy to protect fairness, safety, and opportunity for women and girls.