Lexington School Board Candidate Engaged in Lawsuit Over Free Speech Concerns

Lexington School Board Candidate Faces Controversy with Lawsuit

In a curious twist of events in the quaint city of Lexington, one school board candidate is not only campaigning for a seat but also fighting an active lawsuit against the very board she hopes to join. Dana Homesley has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Lexington 1 school board and its chair, Anne Marie Green, claiming her free speech rights were violated.

The Background

The conflict traces back to a contentious moment in November 2021, when Homesley attempted to read a critical email during a school board meeting. This email, penned by former board member Jada Garris, called out issues concerning multiple construction projects overseen by the district. Homesley had obtained this email through a freedom of information request and intended to shed light on what she perceived as accountability issues regarding the school board’s performance.

However, when Homesley tried to present her findings, she was abruptly cut off by Green. The board chair cited a school policy that discourages speaking negatively about specific employees during public comment periods. “One of the rules for citizens’ participation is we don’t talk about staff or students,” Green told Homesley at the time, which triggered the legal uproar. The board’s rules put a damper on any criticism of personnel, leaving Homesley feeling frustrated and silenced.

A Legal Battle Unfolds

In her lawsuit, Homesley argues that the board’s decision to silence her did not adhere to her First Amendment rights, labeling it as viewpoint discrimination. She noted that other speakers, who made positive remarks about district employees, were allowed to share their thoughts during the same meeting where she was denied. Homesley’s legal request from attorney Tyler Rody is quite explicit; she wants the court to declare the district’s policy unconstitutional and is also after compensatory and punitive damages.

On the flip side, the school board, represented by an attorney from Richardson Plowden and Robinson, maintains that Green was simply enforcing the established policies all board members are expected to follow. They are also contesting the lawsuit, suggesting that the statute of limitations applies since Homesley waited quite a while to bring the matter to court.

The Stakes are High

As it stands, Homesley is up against not just legal challenges but also a looming school board election. She is one of the nine candidates vying for four available seats on the board that oversees 31 schools and approximately 27,000 students in central Lexington County. Interestingly, Anne Marie Green, who is at the center of this lawsuit, is making her exit after the upcoming election. It seems like a crossroad not just for Homesley but the entire school board.

Looking Forward

As the election draws near, it’s unclear whether Homesley will continue with her lawsuit if she secures a place on the board. She did not respond when asked for further comments on whether she’d pursue the legal action after the elections.

This situation sheds light on broader themes of accountability and speech within public education systems. The community is closely watching as it unravels. Will Homesley’s efforts lead to significant change on the board, or will they result in a contentious legal battle that reverberates throughout the Lexington education system? Only time will tell.