Sage Blair's Story Takes Center Stage: Media Spotlight After State of the Union Ignites National Conversation

Last week, something extraordinary happened in our national fight to protect children and restore parental rights. President Trump invited our clients, Michele Blair and her daughter Sage, as special guests to the State of the Union address - and then he recognized them by name, sharing their harrowing experience with the entire nation. Sage's story of a Virginia public school secretly affirming her as male without telling her parents, amid known threats of bullying and assault, led to unimaginable trauma: running away, kidnapping, rape, and trafficking. But today, Sage is thriving - a testament to resilience, the power of parental love, and irreplaceable role of the family.

This presidential recognition didn't just honor one family - it struck a chord across America. Media outlets are now amplifying Sage's story like never before, proving that daylight truly is the best disinfectant. For years, schools and systems have operated in shadows, excluding parents and endangering kids under the guise of "affirmation." Sage's ordeal mirrors thousands of others, and this surge in attention shows the public is ready to demand change. The Administration sees it too: it's time to end the systemic secret transitioning of children and stop states from ripping families apart over biological reality.

We're grateful for this platform, but the fight is far from over. And that's where you come in!  

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As a nonprofit legal organization, CPRC takes on precedent-setting cases like Sage's—many of whom couldn't afford the battle otherwise. We rely on generous supporters like you to fund the expert research, court filings, and advocacy that hold schools and systems accountable. Your donation puts you on the front lines with us, helping safeguard children's health, defend parental rights, and push back against harmful ideologies. Every contribution counts in this critical moment.

Sage's Story Goes National and Beyond!

Since the State of the Union, Sage and Michele's story has been featured in outlets across the spectrum. We've prioritized coverage that includes direct interviews with Michele Blair or CPRC's Vernadette Broyles, but here's a comprehensive list of post-SOTU stories we've verified (as of March 1, 2026). This wave underscores the public's outrage and the need for reform.

  • Fox & Friends First (Fox News): Aired February 25, 2026 (morning). General counsel Vernadette Broyles and Michele Blair joined live to discuss the President's recognition of Sage during the SOTU and the ongoing lawsuit against the Virginia Appomattox School District for allegedly secretly transitioning her without parental consent.  
  • Fox News Online: Published February 25, 2026. Michele Blair praised President Trump for "shining a light" on her daughter's case, detailing how the school socially transitioned Sage without consent; includes quotes from her appearance.  
  • Outnumbered (Fox News) - Segment is at 18:59 to 27:16: Aired February 25, 2026. The panel discussed Vernadette Broyles and Michele Blair's Fox & Friends appearance in depth, analyzing the implications for parental rights.  Also, CPRC has posted three reaction videos from Vernadette on our X account. Watch and share them on our X & Facebook pages!  
  • The New York Times: Published February 25, 2026. In-depth piece on Trump's call for limits on trans youth policies, featuring details from Michele Blair on Sage's experience and the school's role.  
  • Wall Street Journal: Published February 28, 2026. Op/Ed article by Laura Hanford of the Heritage Foundation and Erin Friday the founder of Our Duty.
  • Just the News: Published February 26, 2026. Article connects Sage's story to a Maryland policy change on foster parents and trans affirmation, referencing Michele Blair's lawsuit and CPRC’s legal work.  
  • Baltimore Sun: Published February 25, 2026. Focuses on the Maryland aspects of Sage's case mentioned in the SOTU, detailing custody issues and dismissing claims against a judge/public defender; includes background from Vernadette.    
  • Newsweek: Published February 24, 2026 (updated post-SOTU). Explains who Sage Blair is in the context of her SOTU invitation, with quotes from Vernadette Broyles calling Michele and Sage "courageous."  
  • Washington Blade: Published February 25, 2026. Contrasting views on the SOTU, critiquing Trump's use of Sage's story to attack gender-affirming care; includes direct SOTU quotes but no new interviews.  
  • Hindustan Times: Published February 25, 2026. Background on Sage as Trump's SOTU guest, noting Vernadette Broyles' praise for the family and recent Title IX developments.    
  • The Times of India: Published February 25, 2026. Details Sage's invitation to the SOTU and legal battle over school secrecy on gender identity.  
  • Livemint: Published February 25, 2026. Who-are-they piece on Sage and Michele as SOTU guests, recapping the case.    
  • Western Journal: Published February 26, 2026. Covers Trump's criticism of Democrats during the SOTU segment on Sage, with lawsuit details from Michele Blair.  
  • ABC 13 News Local TV news in Michele & Sage’s hometown covering their appearance  

Current Status of the Blair Case (as of March 1, 2026)

The case, originally filed by Michele Blair (on behalf of her then-minor daughter Sage) against the Appomattox County School Board and certain staff, alleges violations stemming from the school's secret affirmation of Sage's gender identity as male in 2021—without parental notification—despite known severe bullying, sexual threats, and harassment in boys' restrooms and elsewhere. This secrecy, amid Sage's documented mental health vulnerabilities, contributed to her running away, subsequent kidnapping, rape, and sex trafficking before rescue.

Procedural History:  

Instead of answering the initial Complaint, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss all claims (including Title IX deliberate indifference to peer sexual harassment, Fourteenth Amendment substantive due process parental right to direct the child's upbringing and right to family privacy, conspiracy to violate civil rights and certain state law claims). As is often the case, the federal district court granted dismissal in full. On appeal, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (August 7, 2025) affirmed dismissal of the substantive due process and related claims but reversed on the Title IX claim against the School Board, finding sufficient allegations that the school's response was not "reasonably calculated" to end known harassment. The case was remanded for further proceedings on that claim.

Current Status (Post-Remand):  

After remand, Sage and Michele Blair filed a Second Amended Complaint (September 2025). Sage, now an adult, sues independently for Title IX violations (deliberate indifference to sexual harassment/hostile environment that denied her equal access to educational opportunities as a female student under federal law). Michele Blair sues individually for violation of her First Amendment free exercise rights to direct Sage's religious upbringing without school interference in sensitive matters of gender and sexuality.

Key Developments Strengthening the Case:

  • Sage's adulthood allows her to bring her own Title IX claim directly (previously asserted via Michele as next friend), focusing on the school's failure to address reported sexual harassment/threats in restrooms and on buses.
  • The intervening U.S. Supreme Court decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor (June 27, 2025) provides a basis for a free exercise claim for Michele. That 6-3 ruling held that school policies burdening parents' religious exercise, such as denying notice/opt-out for instruction conflicting with faith-based views on gender/sexuality, can violate the First Amendment if they substantially interfere with directing children's religious upbringing. This precedent and new facts revealed by Sage provide grounds for a free exercise claim on Michele’s behalf.  

The case remains pending in federal district court, with the amended complaint under consideration. The Defendants moved to strike the new Amended Complaint and we are awaiting a ruling. The case will then proceed to discovery and trial, highlighting accountability for schools that exclude parents from critical decisions affecting child safety.

More to Come: Stay Connected

Interviews are still rolling in, and we'll keep sharing updates as they happen.