Freedom Updates
Advocates in Action
Federal Judge Denies School District’s Motion to Dismiss Teacher’s First Amendment Retaliation Case
Press Release
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco at
media@faith-freedom.COM
Federal Judge Denies School District’s Motion to Dismiss Teacher’s First Amendment Retaliation Case
For Immediate Release, Los Angeles, CA – On Friday, in a significant win for free speech rights within the public education system, a federal judge has denied the Glendale Unified School District’s (GUSD) motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Ray Shelton, a fifth-grade teacher at Mark Keppel Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School. Mr. Shelton’s lawsuit, which challenges alleged retaliation by GUSD officials following his public criticism of district policies, will proceed in federal court.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of First Amendment protections for educators, particularly their right to speak freely on public matters without fear of reprisal. Mr. Shelton, a teacher with years of service to GUSD, filed suit after being placed on administrative leave and barred from campus following his comments at a school board meeting. At the meeting, he expressed concerns about new district policies, which he argued undermined parental rights and posed potential safety risks.
“This ruling sends a strong message that no educator should be defamed for expressing an opinion that challenges the woke narrative,” said Advocates attorney, Kelly Chang Rickert. “Our clients have a right to openly discuss policies that affect students, families, and communities. We look forward to demonstrating that educators, like all Americans, deserve the right to speak their beliefs without fear of retaliation.”
In her decision, U.S. District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall found that Mr. Shelton’s claims regarding free speech and retaliation were substantial enough to proceed to the next stages of litigation. Judge Marshall’s ruling rejects the district’s position that it acted within its rights, affirming instead that teachers’ First Amendment protections extend to matters of public concern discussed in public forums.
Represented by The Pivtorak Law Firm and Advocates for Faith and Freedom, Mr. Shelton’s lawsuit now advances with claims that include viewpoint discrimination and retaliation, citing the district’s alleged attempts to silence his dissenting voice through disciplinary action. In addition to seeking damages, Mr. Shelton requests that the court issue an injunction to prevent further retaliation and ensure district policies comply with constitutional standards.
The case, now set for discovery and pre-trial proceedings, is being closely watched by educators, civil rights advocates, and community leaders as it raises critical questions about the boundaries of free expression within the educational system.
Election Integrity Project California Takes Bold Action in Court to Defend Secure and Transparent Elections
Press Release
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: thursday, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco at
media@faith-freedom.COM
Election Integrity Project California Takes Bold Action in Court to Defend Secure and Transparent Elections
For Immediate Release, Murrieta, CA – On Tuesday, the Superior Court ruled on an Ex Parte Application filed by the Election Integrity Project California (“EIPCa”), represented by our firm, requesting an expedited hearing on the merits of its petition for peremptory writ of mandate. EIPCa is seeking decisive judicial action to address critical issues in the administration of California’s recent elections. The application calls on the court to issue a ruling before December 5, 2024, to ensure that election procedures align with EIPCa’s commitment to ensure fair elections as well as voter trust and integrity.
EIPCa’s petition names the California Secretary of State and election officials from several counties, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, Kern, and Tulare. The petition challenges the adequacy of election oversight and highlights each county’s role in maintaining voter rolls, processing ballots, and reporting results. EIPCa believes this oversight is essential to addressing procedural inconsistencies and maintaining Californians’ faith in the election process.
“EIPCa remains committed to safeguarding Californian citizen’s constitutional right to free, fair, honest and transparent elections,” said Linda Paine, President of EIPCa. “By ensuring accurate voter rolls and integrity in the processing and counting of ballots, EIPCa continues to empower citizens through education and oversight of the election process with the goal of restoring integrity to the election process.”
“For too long, systemic election concerns have gone unaddressed, but this petition is a positive step toward reform,” stated Advocates attorney, Robert Tyler. “Our legal team is prepared to continue advocating for election integrity across the state.”
EIPCa has requested that the Court appoint a special master to oversee each respondent’s actions to ensure adherence to legal election processes. The Court is considering the request but has noted that it must first hear any opposition filed by the Respondents by Friday, November 15. Given the urgency of these issues, the Court has declined to set a hearing date on shortened notice but will consider the request based solely on the submitted briefs. This streamlined process ensures that the petition’s claims will be addressed promptly.
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Press Release | EIPCa Exposes Election Discrepancies and Demands Accountability for Next Election
ADVOCATES FOR FAITH & FREEDOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, October 31, 2024
CONTACT: Nicole Velasco
NVELASCO@FAITH-FREEDOM.COM
Murrieta, CA— Yesterday, in a decisive move to ensure the accuracy and integrity of California’s upcoming elections, Advocates for Faith & Freedom, on behalf of Election Integrity Project California (“EIPCa”) filed a Writ of Mandate against California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and various county elections officials. The filing comes after EIPCa’s thorough audit of election data from the November 2022 elections revealed major discrepancies, including instances of multiple votes being counted for individual voters. This legal action seeks to compel election officials to perform their legally mandated duties, ensuring that every vote in the November 2024 election is lawfully cast and accurately counted.
EIPCa’s audit showed an unexplained discrepancy of 43,625 votes between the certified election results and the data provided by the Secretary of State’s office. “We are not here to challenge election laws or the results of past elections,” stated Advocates Attorney, Robert Tyler. “We are simply demanding that the laws on the books be followed, and that every vote in the 2024 election be accounted for correctly. This is about protecting the fundamental right to vote and ensuring election integrity in California.”
“A Republic if you can Keep it” was the response of Ben Franklin when asked what type of government the founders created. EIPCa and Advocates are working together to Keep the Republic by addressing election procedures that failed to prevent individual voters from casting multiple votes,” said Linda Paine, President of EIPCa.
The Writ calls for the appointment of a neutral special master to oversee the certification of results to prevent further discrepancies and to uphold the transparency promised by the California Voter Bill of Rights. EIPCa remains committed to holding election officials accountable and ensuring that every eligible voter has confidence that their vote will be counted.
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Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts. Our mission is to engage in cases that will uphold our religious liberty and America’s heritage and to educate Americans about our fundamental constitutional rights.