On July 26, 2024, Advocates for Faith and Freedom filed a lawsuit on behalf of Alyssa Esquivel, an American Sign Language Special Education Instructional Aide for the San Gabriel Unified School District, challenging the district’s directive banning her Trump-themed backpack and water bottle. Esquivel was placed on involuntary leave and suspended without pay for bringing the items to school.
The lawsuit alleges that the school district censored Esquivel’s political expression, violating her First Amendment rights. “Educational settings are meant to be beacons of free speech and expression. They should not be weaponized to stifle and censor ideas and opinions that may be unpopular or disliked,” said Julianne Fleischer, legal counsel for Advocates. “The San Gabriel Unified School District unjustly targeted Ms. Esquivel for her political expression.”
Esquivel expressed disappointment in the district’s actions but looks forward to seeking justice. “I am excited to work with Advocates to ensure that no one else experiences this retaliatory treatment for their political beliefs. I hope to be reinstated to my position so that I can continue serving the deaf students within my school district,” she said.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom, a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberties, recently sent a demand letter to the San Gabriel Unified School District. They demanded Esquivel’s reinstatement after she faced harassment from co-workers over her Trump-themed items. The district allegedly failed to address these outbursts and instead prohibited Esquivel from bringing her items to school, citing a non-applicable board policy.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom are prepared to hold the district accountable for what they describe as wrongful actions against Esquivel, highlighting that the First Amendment protects her right to engage in political expression.
For further information, contact Jake Matthews at Jake@JLKPolitical.com.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom states on their website that they are dedicated to protecting constitutional and religious liberty in the courts. Their mission is to engage in cases that uphold religious liberty and America’s heritage and educate Americans about fundamental constitutional rights.
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