District

Federal Judge Refuses to Dismiss Lawsuit Accusing Escambia County School District of Violating Free Speech by Removing Library Books

by

PENSACOLA, Fla. — A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit alleging that the Escambia County School District violated free speech by removing and restricting library books. U.S. District Judge Kent Wetherell made the ruling in the lawsuit against the Escambia County School Board. The lawsuit, filed by Penguin Random House, PEN America, and several individuals, claims that the school district violated the First Amendment by removing or limiting access to books discussing race, racism, and LGBTQ identities. This was done against the recommendations of the district review committee responsible for … Read more

Florida School District Faces Lawsuit Over Removal of Books on Race and LGBTQ+ Identities, Judge Rules

by

PENSACOLA, Fla. – A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit can proceed against a Florida Panhandle school district for removing books about race and LGBTQ+ identities from library shelves. U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II, based in Pensacola, made the ruling on Wednesday, granting standing to the writers’ group PEN America, publisher Penguin Random House, banned authors, and parents to pursue their claims under the First Amendment’s free speech protections. However, the judge denied a claim under the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. “We are gratified that the Judge recognized that books cannot … Read more

Hays County District Clerk Held in Contempt Over Failed Jury Summons Delivery

by

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (AP) – The Hays County District Clerk was held in contempt of court Tuesday following issues with the delivery of jury summons, according to an attorney present at the hearing. Hays County District Clerk Avrey Anderson Sr. disclosed on Jan. 4 a mistake made by a vendor that affected over 6,000 jury notices across multiple county offices. As a result, Hays County officials had to hand deliver the summons to potential jurors. Hays County Judge Tanner Neidhardt summoned Anderson to explain the issues with the deliveries. However, Anderson’s explanation was not satisfactory … Read more

Lawsuit Exposes Racial Discrimination and ‘Hostile Environment’ Within Davis School District

by

FARMINGTON, Utah – A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Davis School District, alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. The lawsuit was brought by a woman who was hired by the district to investigate racial harassment. The plaintiff, who is Black, claims she was subjected to a hostile work environment and treated differently than her lighter-skinned non-Black colleagues. The lawsuit also accuses the district of failing to address discrimination against both students and employees. According to the lawsuit, one incident involved a district coordinator allegedly giving the plaintiff a handful of garbage … Read more