Kentucky school district removes posts against Amendment 2

(The Center Square) – A Texas-based group wants a local school district to stop encouraging voters to reject a constitutional amendment that would increase school choice options across the state.

The Liberty Justice Center recently sent a demand letter to the Pulaski County School District after the district posted a message on its Facebook page against Amendment 2.

The proposed amendment is on the November ballot, and if passed, it would allow the General Assembly to provide financial support for students outside the state’s public school system.

“It is illegal and immoral for school officials to use taxpayer funds to engage in political advocacy," said Dean McGee, educational freedom attorney at the Liberty Justice Center. "It’s especially outrageous for school officials to use taxpayer money to oppose measures that would increase educational opportunities in their state.”

The letter, written by the center on behalf of “concerned Pulaski County taxpayers, "asked the district to immediately stop what the group calls illegal activities and “remove all social media posts and other advocacy against Amendment 2.”

The letter comes after Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman issued an advisory reminding school districts that using school resources or time to advance personal political views is an improper use of taxpayer dollars and “wrongfully interjects political activity into the operation of public schools.”

Pulaski Superintendent Patrick Richardson posted on the district’s Facebook page Thursday that he had taken down posts on the district’s social media platforms. He also advised district employees not to use district resources or their time during school hours to oppose or encourage people to vote against Amendment 2.

“I do not agree with the attorney general’s opinion, however, I respect the office and will follow this advisory until overruled,” Richardson posted on the district’s Facebook page. "At no point did the attorney general’s office ask me or anyone in Pulaski County Schools for input before he issued his advisory. I believe the attorney general’s advisory is partisan politics at its worst. When elected officials work to silence people, that is a red flag and we should all take notice."