The News: The Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD)
announced that despite issuing a cease-and-desist letter threatening a defamation lawsuit to local parent and activist, Alexandra Schweitzer, the District now considers the “issue closed.” The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) sent a
letter to OASD attorneys in mid-June, on behalf of Ms. Schweitzer, explaining that her public statements do not meet the legal standard for defamation and that her speech is protected by the First Amendment. The OASD statement indicates there will be no forthcoming legal action against Ms. Schweitzer.
The Quotes: WILL President and General Counsel, Rick Esenberg, said, “By declaring the matter ‘closed,’ the District appears to have dropped its threat to sue Alexandra for criticizing the District. It’s a shame the District continues to accuse her of spreading misinformation while refusing to explain what it might be or responding to our letter explaining the basis for her statements, but this is still the right outcome and the result we hoped for. Parents should be free to comment on their experiences with their kids’ schools.”
Alexandra Schweitzer said, “As a mom and volunteer community leader, I spent months communicating directly with the district to ask questions. Instead of getting answers, they sent me a cease-and-desist letter and accused me of spreading misinformation. I can only hope that the district will no longer participate in these bully tactics and instead, engage with parents on the education of our children.”
Dr. Elana Fishbein, Founder & President, No Left Turn in Education, said, “We don’t bow to bullies. The district’s intimidation tactics won’t hide the truth. And their inability to answer to Alexandra’s accusations speaks volumes.”
