High School Graduation Amidst Legal Battle for Free Speech
On May 28th, my son achieved what once felt like an unattainable dream. He graduated from high school with honors, and I had the privilege of handing him his diploma as he walked across the stage.
If someone had told me this would happen five years ago, I would have probably laughed, maybe even cried. Back then, my son struggled with a learning disability and faced significant setbacks during the pandemic. His GPA plummeted from 3.5 to 1.5, and for a long time, I couldn’t see how he would ever recover.
Fortunately, he’s doing better now, but I’m still grappling with the repercussions of how he was treated at school—and how I was treated too.
On June 12th, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will take up a case that I filed. I’m seeking an apology from the Board of Education for infringing upon my constitutional right to free speech. I spoke out to defend my son, who has special needs, but my elected officials responded by firing me and prompting a federal investigation.
I’ve been fighting this battle since the summer of 2020. The Chippewa Valley Board of Education announced that classes would remain virtual for the 2020-21 year. By that point, my son had already spent three months learning online, and, frankly, each day felt worse than the last.
His learning disabilities require direct one-on-one interaction with a teacher. I was genuinely worried that a year of inadequate support could have irreversible impacts on his education and future.
I attended every school board meeting that summer and fall, driven by my concern for my son. Yet, board members showed little interest in listening and displayed a complete lack of leadership when it came to reopening schools.
It was undeniably frustrating. Yet, I maintained my composure; I’ve been a police officer for 27 years, and I know how to conduct myself in public.
However, the Board of Education crossed the line. In December, my police chief summoned me to his office to discuss an email he received from a board member accusing me of “veiled racism.” The implication was clear: I was being threatened with termination simply for advocating for my son.
Sadly, that wasn’t the end of it. I continued attending board meetings, keeping my cool despite feeling targeted.
In October of the following year, the board’s president lodged a formal complaint with the Department of Justice, claiming I made a “threatening comment.” Once again, the intent was unmistakable.
The day before, Attorney General Merrick Garland had sent out a memo directing the FBI to monitor educators and parents who were critical of them. Such a memo essentially encouraged actions against parents like me, which we saw happening during the pandemic. My local school board quickly seized the opportunity presented by that memo.
I’m unsure if the Department of Justice acted on the complaint, but it’s clear to me that the Board of Education attempted to punish me for exercising my rights.
I also realized my son’s situation deteriorated while the school board was focusing on targeting me. In 2021, I transferred him to a school in a neighboring district and ran for an open seat on the board. I felt it was imperative not to let the old board get away with their actions.
Now, I find myself at the Sixth Circuit because the district court ruled that I had no case, even though the school board didn’t succeed in firing or punishing me. But the outcome is irrelevant.
Government officials should not escape accountability just because their actions didn’t result in my termination. If federal courts accept that argument, we could face a daunting future where public officials pursue anyone who dares to speak up.
Even now, I am adamant about not remaining silent. I’m asking the court to affirm that my rights have been violated and to order the school board to apologize.
It astonishes me that not a single elected official who targeted me has offered those two simple words: “I’m sorry.” Despite everything, I’m still employed and grateful that my son completed his education with pride.
