Candidate Dana Homesley Faces Legal Battle While Campaigning for School Board in Lexington

Exciting Times in Lexington: A Candidate Takes On School Policy

In the heart of Lexington, a fascinating political drama is unfolding as voters gear up to elect new members to the school board. This election has caught the attention of many, especially because one of the candidates, Dana Homesley, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the very board she hopes to join. Talk about a gripping storyline!

Background of the Dispute

Let’s rewind to where it all began. The finger pointing started back in 2021 when a former board member, Jada Garris, sent a critical email to the district’s joint chief operating and finance officer. The email raised concerns over several construction projects that were underway in the schools of the Lexington 1 district. When Garris tried to incorporate her email into the official board meeting minutes, she faced resistance and was told it couldn’t be included.

Fast forward to November 2021, during a packed board meeting, Homesley decided she would shed light on this situation by reading from Garris’s email—after all, she had recently obtained it through a freedom of information request. But, things didn’t go as planned. Board chair Anne Marie Green interrupted her, citing that one of the rules for public participation is that “we don’t talk about staff or students.” This didn’t sit well with Homesley, who felt she was being unjustly silenced.

The Lawsuit

As a result of this incident, Homesley filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Lexington 1 school board and Green herself. She claims that the board’s actions not only infringed upon her right to free speech but also constituted viewpoint discrimination. In her legal filing, Homesley points out that while she was cut off for attempting to criticize the board’s decision-making, other speakers who offered positive feedback about staff were allowed to share their thoughts freely.

In her lawsuit, Homesley is asking the court to declare the district’s policy—which prohibits criticism of specific school employees during public comments—unconstitutional. Additionally, she seeks both compensatory and punitive damages. It’s a bold move that echoes the sentiments of many who believe in the importance of holding public officials accountable.

Board’s Response

The legal team representing the school board, led by attorney Richardson Plowden and Robinson, responded vocally to Homesley’s suit. They defend Green’s actions as a necessity to uphold the board’s stated policies during meetings. Interestingly, they also argue that Homesley’s lawsuit may be barred by the statute of limitations since the incident happened a while back. It seems there’s no shortage of opinions on this matter!

The Stakes are High

As Homesley campaigns for one of the coveted four seats on the school board, one can’t help but wonder how this ongoing legal saga will shape her bid for office. Will voters see her lawsuit as a passionate stance for their rights, or will it raise eyebrows about her potential effectiveness on the board? The dynamics are sure to keep everyone talking.

With election day right around the corner, this situation is poised to bring a lot of changes for not only Homesley but also the 31 schools and 27,000 students under the board’s watchful eye. With such a high-stakes environment, it’ll be interesting to see how this all unfolds.

A Final Thought

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the residents of Lexington are incredibly invested in their children’s education. They are faced with choices that could impact the future of their schools, and candidates like Dana Homesley remind us that the path to change often comes with obstacles. Stay tuned; this election is shaping up to be one for the books!