(The Center Square) – A Pittsville mother has reached a settlement that includes legal fees and recognition of her free speech rights after she received a cease-and-desist letter and a visit from police to her home following a video she posted on social media stating that she was considering homeschooling her disabled daughter after she was pushed aside at a holiday school concert.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty represented Amanda Vogel and reached a settlement acknowledging that the video was seen by millions online and the commentary was protected by First Amendment rights. The settlement calls for a $15,000 payment to fees.
The district rescinded its cease-and-desist notice.
“When the police showed up at my door because of a social media post, it was shocking and overwhelming,” Vogel said in a statement. “I hope this settlement ensures that no other parents have to feel that way just for sharing their family’s story. At the heart of all of this was my desire to advocate for my daughter and to encourage a conversation about treating every child with dignity and respect. I hope this outcome helps protect both the right of parents to speak openly and the importance of ensuring that all children feel valued and supported.”
The Pittsville School District had threatened a defamation lawsuit and initially refused to acknowledge wrongdoing.
“The First Amendment does not disappear when a parent criticizes a school district,” WILL Deputy Counsel Cory Brewer said in a statement. “Our client exercised her constitutional right to share her family’s experience and explain why she chose to homeschool her daughter. The school district has now acknowledged that her speech was protected and has withdrawn its legal threats. WILL continues to fight, and win, on behalf of parents when they, or their rights, are threatened by government overreach.”
The district acknowledge that involving the Chief of Police, who serves as the District’s School Resource Officer, with two visits to her home could have been seen as intimidating.
