In Tennessee, raffles are considered gambling, not fundraising. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-501, selling chances to win prizes is illegal unless approved under the Nonprofit Gaming Act. Public schools cannot hold raffles because they are government entities, not nonprofits. Only approved 501(c)(3) booster clubs or school foundations may apply for one “annual event” raffle each year through the Secretary of State and must receive General Assembly approval before selling tickets. Unapproved raffles can lead to criminal penalties. Schools should rely on legal fundraisers—auctions, merchandise sales, sponsorships, or free drawings—to stay compliant and protect their staff and supporters.

Mr. McElhaney, a father of a softball player, texted the coach after his daughter was benched midway through the season. The text messages criticized his coaching ability and decisions. The coach, believing Mr. McElhaney had violated team policy which prohibited parents from talking to coaches about playing time, forwarded the messages to the principal.

There is no doubt that districts will increasingly deal with LGBTQ issues in the future. Following the Bostock ruling, schools were forced to look the impact of facilities, bathrooms in particular.

In the persistent battle over issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, public schools are frequently the battlegrounds. Tennessee public schools are no exception, and school officials have wrestled for years with such issues, particularly as they relate to transgender students. Conflicting legal authority now creates even more uncertainly over what to do in those typically difficult situations.