Virginia high school student Sage’s family sues Appomattox County School Board, staff, and a Maryland public defender, claiming they caused Sage’s sex trafficking victimization.
This tragic saga highlights a chain of events that has left a family shattered and a teenager scarred for life.
Virginia School’s Role in Sage’s Transition Allegations
Sage’s mother, Michele Blair, is determined to seek justice for her daughter. Blair claims that school faculty secretly facilitated Sage’s transition to a male identity without her knowledge or consent. She emphasizes that as a parent, she knows her child better than anyone else and insists her rights to protect Sage were stolen.
Sage’s journey through Appomattox County High School was marred by severe bullying, both physical and verbal, due to her transition.
Shockingly, despite being aware of the bullying, the school encouraged Sage to use the boys’ bathroom. The torment became unbearable, leading Sage to run away from home at the age of 14.
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Sage’s Story Has Moved the Virginia Governor
Tragically, her escape led to her being kidnapped and subjected to unimaginable horrors. The lawsuit alleges that she was sexually assaulted by multiple men in different states, highlighting the vulnerabilities of runaway teenagers.
Even after being rescued by federal authorities, Sage’s ordeal continued. Aneesa Khan, a Baltimore public defender, contested returning Sage to her family, citing their purported lack of affirmation of her gender identity. This decision placed Sage in a juvenile facility for adolescent males, where she faced further abuse.
Sage’s harrowing journey took her to Texas, where she fell into the clutches of another predator. It was only through the intervention of Texas law enforcement that Sage was finally rescued and reunited with her family.
Sage’s story has prompted Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to address school policies that may have contributed to her ordeal, reflecting the need for comprehensive reforms to protect vulnerable students.
As Sage embarks on her path to recovery, her family remains resilient, determined to support her through the trauma and challenges she faces.
While the legal battle continues, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of empathy, support, and protection for all children, especially those facing complex issues like gender identity and bullying.
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