Two elected trustees of the Clark County School District (CCSD) filed a lawsuit Monday in Clark County District Court alleging that the district’s board policies unlawfully restrict what trustees can say in public. The complaint, filed by Lorena Biassotti and Lydia Dominguez, also names Board President Emily Stevens as a defendant in her official capacity.
Policy provisions at issue
The suit challenges Governance Policies GP‑2 and GP‑3, which the trustees say prohibit negative or disparaging remarks about the district, board members, or board decisions. The complaint further points to rules that discourage posts about education topics that could come before the board and opinions on socially or politically sensitive issues. Biassotti and Dominguez argue the policies are vague, giving the board broad discretion to discipline members whose views the majority opposes.
Background of the dispute
Biassotti says the board applied the policies to her after she wore an “XX‑XY” shirt to an August board meeting and posted related comments on social media. She maintains the shirt reflected her religious beliefs. According to the complaint, Board President Stevens publicly reminded Biassotti of her obligations under the policies after earlier private warnings. The board stated at the meeting that no vote or formal action would be taken, and Stevens framed the reprimand as enforcement of board policy, not punishment for belief.
Dominguez was not subjected to the same disciplinary process, but the complaint notes she fears similar action could be taken against her because she also expresses critical views of board decisions.
Legal claims and relief sought
The trustees allege violations of the First Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment, the Nevada Constitution, and Nevada’s Open Meeting Law. Biassotti additionally claims the board considered allegations of misconduct against her without providing the notice required by state law.
In their request for relief, the trustees ask a judge to block enforcement of the contested policies against protected trustee speech, to remove references to the August reprimand from board records, and to restore Biassotti as the CCSD representative to the Council of the Great City Schools. They also seek damages, attorney’s fees, and a jury trial.
Implications for local governance
The lawsuit highlights a growing tension between school‑board governance structures and the free‑speech rights of elected officials. If the court rules in favor of the trustees, the district may need to revise or eliminate the challenged policies, potentially reshaping how board members communicate with the public and engage on contentious education issues.
Both trustees and board officials have indicated they will continue to monitor the case closely, recognizing its potential impact on future board‑member conduct and on the transparency of district decision‑making.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
