Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch has filed a federal lawsuit against Barnstable Public Schools claiming it violated the First Amendment rights of a former associate principal.
The legal action on behalf of John Bergonzi alleges he was fired months after his 2024 hiring in retaliation for politically conservative Facebook posts made before he got the job.
The complaint alleges that Bergonzi was fired because his protected speech did not reflect the values of Barnstable Public Schools.
Judicial Watch says as a result of his firing, Bergonzi has suffered lost income and benefits, reputational harm, emotional distress and diminished employment prospects.
“Public schools do not get to silence employees simply because they express opinions that administrators dislike,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “This lawsuit seeks to hold Barnstable Public Schools accountable for violating the First Amendment and for reneging on promises that cost our client his tenured career.”
The complaint is calling for a trial and damages.
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