Denton, Texas – Two principals in the Denton Independent School District are facing criminal charges after allegedly violating state election laws. Lindsey Lujan, principal of Alexander Elementary School, and Jesus Lujan, principal of Borman Elementary, have been accused of using their school email accounts to urge staff to vote for candidates who oppose school choice.
According to court documents, the two administrators sent emails in February encouraging staff to support candidates in the March Republican primary election who oppose Governor Greg Abbott’s school voucher plan. The emails were leaked and prompted Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton to file a lawsuit against the district. However, Paxton’s office and the school district later reached a settlement.
Lindsey and Jesus Lujan have been charged with unlawful use of an internal mail system for political advertising, which is a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, they could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
The Texas American Federation of Teachers, a teachers union, has criticized the charges as a “politically motivated legal attack.” They argue that these charges could have a chilling effect on educators’ civic engagement and their ability to advocate for public education.
The Denton Independent School District has emphasized the importance of following election laws while also encouraging people to educate themselves about the candidates and their positions. The district believes that voters should have the opportunity to make informed decisions in the primary of their choice.
A court hearing for Lindsey Lujan is scheduled for next month, while Jesus Lujan’s hearing is set for June. This case raises questions about the balance between educators’ rights to engage in political activities and the boundaries of using official channels for such communication.
The outcome of this legal situation will have implications not only for the two principals involved but also for educators across the state of Texas. The controversy highlights the intersection of education and politics, and the potential consequences educators may face when expressing their political views while representing a public institution.
As the court proceedings unfold, it will be interesting to see how the case develops and the impact it could have on the future of educators’ political engagement in Texas schools.