More from today's long decision by Judge Eric Melgren (D. Kan.) in Schmidt v. Huff (and read this post for the analysis of a separate First Amendment claim that Schmidt also brought):
Plaintiff Carrie Schmidt is the mother of two students who attend Gardner-Edgerton High School…. In 2022, Plaintiff started to speak at [school district] meetings, reading aloud to the Board words, phrases, and descriptions contained in the District's educational curriculum and library.
On May 4, 2023, Plaintiff became a member of the District Educational Services Advisory Committee. The Committee investigates and reviews the District curriculum, instruction, and assessment topics, and it also examines the accreditation process, progress, curriculum standards, and federal programs. The Committee makes recommendations to the School Board and Superintendent Brian Huff about these matters….
At an August 2024 District school board meeting, Plaintiff was the only individual signed up to speak. Immediately after Board President Tom Reddin announced that it was time for "hearing and requests and suggestions" from the public, Defendant Gregg Chapman, a Board Member, interjected, asking Reddin if he could speak first. As Plaintiff was walking up to the microphone, Defendant Chapman started his pre-written speech. He said the following:
