PJI Sues Colorado University After Graduate Student Penalized for Expressing Christian Beliefs

Lawsuit alleges university officials denied counseling student advancement over views on gender identity and women's sports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against officials at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) after a graduate student was denied advancement in her counseling program following a written assignment expressing her beliefs and views on gender identity and women's sports.

The lawsuit, Outlaw v. Wehrman, Case No. 1:26-cv-05121, was filed Oct. 9 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado on behalf of Mysti River Outlaw, a former graduate student in UCCS's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

According to the verified complaint, Outlaw maintained a 3.67 GPA, had perfect attendance and received positive evaluations from instructors and classmates. Despite her academic performance, university officials allegedly penalized her after she expressed views that differed from those held by faculty members.

In October 2025, Outlaw submitted a written reflection for a group counseling course in which she questioned whether counselors should introduce gender identity discussions to children who had not raised those concerns themselves. She also expressed her belief that allowing transgender athletes to compete in sports categories inconsistent with their biological sex could create unfair competitive disadvantages.

Outlaw's reflection acknowledged the importance of treating transgender individuals with respect. She maintained that counselors should not impose their personal values on clients and that sensitive discussions should be guided by the needs of the individuals receiving counseling.

According to the lawsuit, professors Kara Carnes-Holt and Diane Stutey summoned Outlaw to a meeting concerning her statements. During the meeting, Carnes-Holt allegedly questioned Outlaw's mental capacity, professional fitness and previous seminary education.

University officials subsequently placed Outlaw on an Individual Success Plan and denied her eligibility to begin the program's required practicum. The plan extended her studies by at least one year and required additional readings, written reflections, monthly meetings and personal counseling.

The complaint alleges that these requirements were imposed because of Outlaw's expressed beliefs rather than documented deficiencies in her academic performance or counseling skills.

"Public universities have a responsibility to educate students without punishing them for expressing viewpoints that differ from those of their professors," said PJI attorney Joel C. Miller, who represents Outlaw. "Our client was succeeding academically and preparing for a career in counseling. Instead of evaluating her demonstrated abilities, university officials allegedly used her personal beliefs as grounds to prevent her from advancing. The First Amendment does not permit public institutions to demand ideological conformity as a condition of professional education."

The lawsuit further alleges that university officials relied on vague standards concerning multicultural competence and professional conduct. When Outlaw requested specific examples of her alleged deficiencies and measurable requirements for improvement, she was reportedly told the criteria were intentionally vague.

Outlaw appealed the university's decision, but her appeals were denied. She ultimately withdrew from UCCS and transferred to Denver Seminary, resulting in additional educational expenses, repeated coursework and delays in pursuing her counseling career.

PJI filed the lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, a federal civil rights statute allowing individuals to seek legal remedies when government officials violate their constitutional rights.

The complaint alleges violations of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and religious exercise, and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which protects individuals against certain deprivations of liberty or property without constitutionally adequate procedures.

PJI contends that UCCS officials engaged in viewpoint discrimination and retaliation by imposing academic penalties based on Outlaw's expressed beliefs. The lawsuit also alleges religious discrimination arising from comments about her prior seminary education.

"Universities should be places where students can examine difficult issues and express their convictions without fear of retaliation," said PJI Founder and President Brad Dacus. "River Outlaw was pursuing a professional degree when her professors allegedly decided that her beliefs made her unfit to advance. No student at a public university should have to abandon sincerely held religious convictions to complete an education. PJI is committed to defending her constitutional rights."

PJI attorneys Joel C. Miller and Katherine I. Hartley represent Outlaw in the federal lawsuit.

The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, including removal of the Individual Success Plan and related negative notations from Outlaw's academic record. It also requests monetary damages, attorneys' fees and costs.

The allegations have not yet been adjudicated by the court.

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Media Contact: Pacific Justice Institute • (916) 857-6900 • [email protected] • PacificJustice.org