Parents drop lawsuit against Rockford Public Schools over use of student’s preferred name, pronouns

ROCKFORD, Mich. — The parents of a student who asked to use different pronouns at school have dropped the lawsuit against the district a month after a federal judge revived it.

Parents Dan and Jennifer Mead originally sued the Rockford Public Schools district after their student, who was born biologically female, had discussed using male pronouns and a male name with teachers and the school guidance counselor in 2022.

The 44-page lawsuit claims school staff complied with this request, as per district policy. The Meads allegedly only found out about the change because of a mistake by one of their child’s teachers.

The lawsuit claims the Rockford school district purposely tried to hide information that showed their child had changed their pronouns and name, and that the district refused to stop using the new pronouns after the parents requested it.

A judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2025, and a federal judge revived it in August.

On Thursday, the Rockford school district said the Meads have voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit. They said the district did not have to pay or agree to other terms as part of a settlement.

In a statement, the district also said that “despite well-publicized allegations to the contrary, Rockford staff never lied to the parents or changed any records for the purpose of hiding anything from them.”

The district went on to say that they will create an environment where students feel safe and supported.

“We are confident that the evidence would have proven this without a doubt had the case proceeded,” the statement reads. “We recognize the critical role that parents play in their children’s lives, value our partnerships with families, and remain committed to working closely with our students and their families to foster an educational environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.”