DENTON, Texas – Two administrators in the Denton Independent School District (ISD) are facing criminal charges for allegedly engaging in an electioneering scheme using their school emails. Jesus and Lindsay Lujan, who are husband and wife and serve as principals at different elementary schools in Denton, have been accused of emailing other staff members in February with the intention of influencing the March Republican primary election. In their emails, they urged recipients to vote for candidates who oppose Governor Greg Abbott’s school voucher plan.
The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, filed a lawsuit against Denton ISD regarding this matter. Eventually, the two sides reached a settlement. However, the Lujans were still charged with unlawful use of an internal mail system for political advertising, which is considered a Class A misdemeanor. If found guilty, they could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
In response to the charges, Texas AFT, a statewide union that supports educators, claimed that the accusations are part of a “politically motivated legal attack.” They expressed concern that such actions could have a negative impact on civic engagement and discourage school employees from using their voices to advocate for public education during elections.
Denton ISD, like many other school districts in North Texas, has had to make budget cuts due to the failure of Texas lawmakers to provide additional funding for public education amidst the political debate over Abbott’s school voucher plan. While the district acknowledges the importance of following election laws, they also encourage those who support public education to exercise their right to vote.
Lindsay Lujan is scheduled for a court hearing in May, while her husband’s hearing is set for June. The outcome of these hearings will determine the legal consequences they may face for their alleged actions.
In conclusion, the allegations against the Denton ISD principals highlight the potential legal implications of using school resources for political purposes. The case also raises questions about the boundaries of political engagement for educators and the impact of such actions on the broader education system. As the legal proceedings unfold, the consequences of this electioneering scheme on the Lujans and the Denton ISD may become clearer.