Popular Christian School Board Member to Resign Over CA Transgender Law

Veronica Neffinger | iBelieve Contributor | Updated: Jul 12, 2016

Popular Christian School Board Member to Resign Over CA Transgender Law

A well-known pastor and school board member is under fire for opposing the state of California’s newly-approved transgender policy.

Carl R. Trueman, writing at FirstThings.com, reports that Reformed Baptist pastor Chad Vegas, who is a leader on the school board of a public high school in Bakersfield, California, is in danger of being sued for opposing the transgender policy.

According to a column by Jim Denison, the new law mandates that public schools teach students about homosexual sex and how to get an abortion, and that gender is not aligned with biological sex.

Vegas said that even though he has the support of most of the community, he could face legal action for voting against the new policy.

In an email to Trueman, Vegas states, “I have served on the largest high school board in CA, and the nation, for 12 years. I basically lead that board. Our board voted to adopt the new law into policy. I voted against it. I was breaking the law for doing so. I could be personally sued and our attorney tells me the board insurance won't cover me because I am breaking the law and I am a bigot.”

Many urged Vegas not to give up the fight: “Thousands of parents filled our board room in protest of the law. Thousands are pleading with me to reconsider and keep fighting. My elders are still considering what to have me do…. [T]he board and administration, and even some leaders in the liberal teacher's union, are asking me to reconsider.”

Despite the opposition to the policy, Vegas decided to resign and not seek re-election on the board. 

Trueman writes that this blatant enactment of a policy that so many in the community were clearly not in favor of is a breach of freedom and justice.  

“Power is not a function of numbers any more, if it ever was. It is a function of organization and of having one's hands on the levers of cultural and legal power,” writes Trueman. “Expect no quarter in the conflicts that are already upon us, however many of your neighbors may initially express sympathy with you.”

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: July 12, 2016



Popular Christian School Board Member to Resign Over CA Transgender Law