Spokane County, Wash. – On November 5, 2026, coach Keith Stamps and his wife Angelia filed a civil suit against Mead School District No. 354 in Spokane County Superior Court. The complaint alleges that the district defamed the coach, retaliated against him for reporting misconduct, and mishandled a Title IX investigation.
Background and allegations
Keith Stamps, a veteran educator with more than two decades of experience, served as a teacher and coach at Mead High School. According to the filing, Athletic Director John Barrington instructed Stamps to interview students who appeared in videos taken at an Eastern Washington University football camp. The students later told investigators they were merely “just messing around” and denied any bullying, hazing, harassment, assault, or feeling unsafe.
Stamps reported the video content to Barrington but says he was not directed to contact the students’ parents, notify the district office, or take additional protective steps. In December 2023, a parent showed Stamps more explicit video footage. Stamps promptly informed Barrington, and the two met with Principal Kimberly Jensen on December 11, 2023, to review the student handbook and raise the issue with district administrators.
Title IX investigation timeline
The lawsuit contends that the district did not begin a meaningful Title IX‑related investigation until roughly February 2024, several months after the December 2023 videos were disclosed. The plaintiffs argue that the district later shifted blame onto Stamps after media coverage and civil litigation increased public pressure.
According to the complaint, the district issued a reprimand to Stamps in about May 2024. In December 2024, the district released a public statement that the plaintiffs say falsely suggested Stamps hid information, failed to report student misconduct, and was unfit to teach or coach. The complaint asserts that Stamps never concealed the December 2023 videos and that the alleged misconduct involved student‑on‑student behavior, not any wrongdoing by Stamps.
Legal claims and requested relief
The Stampses are seeking damages for defamation, retaliation under the Washington Law Against Discrimination, blacklisting, and intentional interference with employment expectancy. Angelia Stamps also seeks loss‑of‑consortium damages. The plaintiffs request that the court award trial‑determined damages, order changes or additions to district records, issue an injunction barring further false statements, and award reasonable attorney fees and costs. They have also asked for a jury trial.
District response
NonStop Local reached out to the Mead School District for comment. The district responded, “We are aware of the lawsuit and are reviewing it with our attorneys. Given the litigation and future proceedings, we will refrain from further comment.”
Next steps
The summons gives the district 20 days, not counting the day of service, to file a written response. Failure to answer could result in a default judgment. A status conference is scheduled for February 5, 2027.
This case underscores the importance of transparent, timely investigations of Title IX concerns and the need for school officials to protect educators who act in good faith. The community will be watching closely as the district navigates the legal process and addresses the allegations.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
