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View Full Version : Government run amok?


mbossman2
11-01-2007, 09:20 AM
GISD moves forward with threat to sue parent (http://news.galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=67e7147b74f58ff1)

By Rhiannon Meyers
The Daily News

Published October 31, 2007
GALVESTON — The public school district has officially demanded that parent Sandra Tetley remove what it says is libelous material from her Web site or face a lawsuit for defamation.

Tetley received a letter Monday from the district’s law firm demanding she remove what it termed libelous statements and other “legally offensive” statements posted by her or anonymous users, and refrain from allowing such postings in the future. If she refuses, the district plans to sue her, the demand letter states.

Tetley said she’ll review the postings cited by David Feldman of the district’s firm Feldman and Rogers. She’ll consider the context of the postings and consult attorneys before deciding what to delete.


Like the article goes on to say that Times v Sullivan set the precedent that the government can not sue for libel.

As the webite (http://gisdwatch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=196&Itemid=2) discusses, the district has spent, in 1 month, $30K to their attorneys (for this case and review?).

If a case like this moves forward it threatens the fundamental 1st amendment right - - the message shifts to: careful what you say, if we don't like it, we, the government, will sue you...

nice bunch of folks.

jessho
11-01-2007, 11:15 AM
I'm thinking the school board will be held accountable for their expenditures, which will get ugly after it's determined the legal representation was really for personal use. They will either admit their error, or find out the firm they hired will be unwilling to represent them further if they are perceived as a willing participant in misuse of public funds.

I'm going to enjoy this circus. In the long run, the Galveston school district will have a tough time recovering their credibility.