School

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

Federal Judge Upholds First Amendment Rights in Lawsuit Against Escambia County School District’s Book Ban

by

Pensacola, Florida – A federal judge in Pensacola has rejected a plea from the Escambia County School District to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its removal of several books from its shelves. The books in question include “The Bluest Eye,” “Slaughterhouse-Five,” and “The Kite Runner.” U.S. District Judge Kent Wetherell issued a terse order on Wednesday, allowing claims of viewpoint discrimination and denial of the right to receive information under the First Amendment. However, he did reject an equal-protection claim. The lawsuit, filed by PEN America, Penguin Random House, authors whose books were affected, and parents … Read more

Lawsuit Against Florida School District’s Book Ban Granted Permission to Proceed by Federal Judge

by

A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit against a Florida Panhandle school district can move forward over its removal of books about race and LGBTQ+ identities from library shelves. The Pensacola-based judge ruled on Wednesday that the writers’ group PEN America, publisher Penguin Random House, banned authors, and parents have standing 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. The federal lawsuit alleges that the Escambia County School District and its School Board are violating the First Amendment … Read more

Newport News Jury Deliver Verdict for Demari Batten in Retrial for Fatal Menchville High School Shooting

by

Newport News, Virginia – A jury in Newport News delivered its verdict in the re-trial of Demari Batten, finding him guilty of the deadly shooting of 17-year-old Justice Dunham. The verdict was reached just one day after the re-trial began, and Batten had previously entered a plea of not guilty. The incident took place in the parking lot of Menchville High School following a basketball game. Batten stood accused of taking Dunham’s life in this tragic event. This case had previously gone to trial in October 2022, but the jury at that time was unable … Read more