Lawsuit Accuses SLPS Board of Illegally Banning Education Advocate
Portrait of Chester Asher:
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Original Article
Lawsuit accuses St. Louis Public School Board of illegally banning advocate from meetings
By: Debra Chandler Landis - January 6, 2025 4:33 pm
Summary: An education advocate filed a federal lawsuit Monday against St. Louis Public School Board alleging it illegally banned him from meetings and district property.
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A recent lawsuit filed against the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) board alleges that district officials illegally barred an education advocate from attending public meetings, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in district governance. The case has sparked widespread debate about the board's decision-making and commitment to community engagement.
Background of the Case
The lawsuit, filed in early January, claims that a long-time education advocate was unlawfully prohibited from attending SLPS meetings, a move that plaintiffs argue violates Missouri's open meetings laws. The individual, known for their advocacy on education equity and student rights, had reportedly been vocal in criticizing the district's handling of key issues, including school closures, budget allocations, and student performance metrics.
According to court documents, the advocate was removed from multiple meetings over the past year and eventually told they could no longer attend in-person sessions. This restriction, the lawsuit claims, constitutes a direct violation of Missouri's Sunshine Law, which guarantees public access to government meetings.
Community Reaction
The case has garnered significant attention from parents, teachers, and community leaders who see it as part of a broader pattern of limited transparency and lack of accountability within SLPS governance. Many believe that excluding voices that challenge the board’s decisions sets a dangerous precedent.
"If the school board is silencing critics, how can we trust that they are making decisions in the best interests of our students?" said one concerned parent at a recent community meeting.
Advocacy groups, including Coalition With STL Kids (CWSTLK), have stepped in to demand answers from SLPS officials. CWSTLK has called for an independent investigation into the matter and urged the board to publicly explain their actions.
SLPS Board’s Response
In a statement released shortly after the lawsuit was filed, SLPS officials defended their actions, stating that the individual in question had engaged in disruptive behavior that warranted removal. However, critics argue that the board’s definition of "disruptive" is subjective and may be used to silence dissent.
Legal experts say that unless there was a clear violation of meeting conduct policies, the ban could be deemed unconstitutional. Missouri’s Sunshine Law is designed to ensure public participation, and any actions that limit access without due process could face legal consequences.
Potential Legal Outcomes
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, SLPS may be required to:
Reinstate the advocate’s access to public meetings.
Provide official documentation justifying their actions.
Implement new policies to ensure adherence to public access laws.
This case also opens the door for further scrutiny into SLPS decision-making and whether other community members have been unfairly excluded from discussions about education policies.
The Bigger Picture
This lawsuit comes amid broader concerns about SLPS governance, including:
Financial mismanagement: Ongoing state audits examining how SLPS allocates funds.
Leadership instability: A series of administrative shake-ups, including the recent removal of the superintendent.
Community trust issues: A history of parents and stakeholders feeling unheard in decision-making processes.
Moving Forward
Education advocates and legal experts say this case could serve as a wake-up call for greater transparency and accountability in SLPS leadership. As legal proceedings unfold, the community remains engaged, calling for meaningful policy changes to prevent similar actions in the future.
For ongoing updates on this case and advocacy efforts, visit Coalition With STL Kids (CWSTLK).