Freedom of Speech

Fathers Sued for Supporting Daughters in Girls’ Sports—And Lose

Published

April 16, 2025

In a case that has stunned parents and free speech advocates, two New Hampshire dads were banned from school grounds and confronted by police—all for silently wearing pink wristbands at a girls’ soccer game.

The wristbands, marked with two Xs, were a quiet way to support their daughters and the integrity of girls’ sports. But a federal judge ruled that their peaceful protest was not protected under the First Amendment. Many now see this as another blow to parental rights and free speech.

U.S. District Judge Steven McAuliffe said the men’s actions could be interpreted as demeaning to students. Because of that, he ruled that adults attending school sports events don’t have a First Amendment right to express certain views.

A Quiet Protest, a Loud Response

The two fathers—Andy Foote and Kyle Fellers—spoke to Laura on The Ingraham Angle to share what really happened.

Fellers recalled that he was sitting quietly on the sideline when a school official approached. He was asked to remove the wristband or leave. When he refused and cited his First Amendment rights, the school brought in police. He was then escorted off school property. “There was no yelling. No signs. Just a pink wristband,” said Foote.

After the incident, both men received no-trespass orders. Those have since expired, but their legal fight is far from over. They filed a lawsuit claiming their rights were violated, but the court rejected their argument.

Laura pushed the discussion beyond legal details. She questioned why any girl should be forced to play in what she called a “fraudulent sporting event.” If a biological male is on the field, she argued, then fairness is lost—no matter how talented the girls are.

Protecting Their Daughters and the Future

Fellers said his daughter has played soccer since she was three. She had worked for over a decade to reach varsity. But school officials warned that a protest might lead to the team forfeiting the game. That pressure, he said, left the girls with no choice but to play.

Foote shared deeper concerns about safety. “There have already been serious injuries,” he said. He mentioned a volleyball player who took a hit to the face, a field hockey player who lost teeth, and basketball players who suffered injuries. “It sets a dangerous precedent,” he warned.

Despite the court’s ruling, both fathers remain committed to their message. “My daughter fought 13 years to make it to the top,” said Foote. “I won’t stay silent.”

Laura ended the segment with a strong statement: “I never thought I’d see the day when fathers supporting their daughters ends up in court. That’s insane.”

This case adds to a growing national debate over fairness in sports, parental rights, and the limits of free expression at school events.