New York Attorney General Accused of Threatening School Board Members
New York State Attorney General Letitia James is facing accusations of intimidating a school board member regarding discussions about women’s sports and transgender students during meetings.
The allegations stem from a “guidance letter” that warned school board members they could be removed if they used incorrect transgender pronouns or allowed students to voice their concerns about transgender athletes using facilities aligned with their gender identity.
Kelly Wachter, president of the Massapequa Union Free School District board and a plaintiff in the lawsuit, stated that James’ office instructed her to suppress board members who opposed allowing transgender athletes in female sports or spaces.
Wachter expressed that this directive felt oppressive, suggesting that any mention of these discussions could lead to her removal from the board. “They are expecting me to silence public comments,” she remarked.
She highlighted that the focus in meetings is primarily on the experiences and worries of female students, rather than addressing transgender students directly.
As testimonies from female students and parents about their experiences sharing spaces with biological males increase, especially in Democratic-led states during 2024-2025, these discussions are becoming more visible. Videos of these statements are circulating online, prompting a deeper public examination of the relevant policies and the politicians supporting them.
The recent situation at the Massapequa Union Free School District has sparked a broader national debate. The school board’s policy, implemented in September, requires students to use restrooms and locker rooms based on their biological sex. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against this policy.
Wachter asserts she received guidance from James’ office in May this year.
Kim Herman, an attorney with the Southeastern Legal Foundation, contended that the guidance from James does not apply to those supporting transgender inclusion. “They’re not saying we shouldn’t talk about this topic, they’re saying no one should be able to support biological sex,” she explained, emphasizing that while activists can freely speak their views, those who disagree are silenced.
The lawsuit claims that James’ office referenced the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which aims to prevent bullying and harassment. However, Herman argues that this law does not negate the First Amendment rights to speak on school board issues.
“The First Amendment matters here, and state laws cannot override it,” she stated. “The legalities surrounding these discussions don’t change the essence of this lawsuit.”
Threatening to remove an elected school board member solely for facilitating public debate raises serious First Amendment concerns, according to Herman.
FOX News Digital has reached out to James’ office for a response.
Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Daniel Ciampino from the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District Board, Sarah Rouse, a mother from Rockville Center Union Free School District, and Isaac Kuo, also a parent in the same district.
