Judge Says Peoria School Board Member’s Free Speech Claim Doesn’t Hold Water

An Arizona federal judge ruled that Peoria's school board didn't violate Heather Rooks's free speech rights when they attempted to shut down her scripture readings. It left the question open on if she

A federal judge in Arizona ruled last week that a teacher who sued the Peoria Unified School District, claiming it violated her free speech rights by preventing her from reciting scripture during governing board meetings, lacked standing to bring the claim.

The decision is not a complete victory for those who were wanting more concrete answers on if Heather Rooks, a Peoria Unified Governing School Board Member, violated the state and federal constitution—specifically the Establishment Clause. Instead, the case was dismissed based on whether or not Rooks had a viable injury to make the claim in the first place.

Without that decisive judgement, the lawyers representing Rooks have said that while they appeal the decision, she'll continue using her position to recite scripture during public meetings.

Rooks, who was elected to the governing board in November 2022 and is now the President, is well known for pushing false theories about trans and nonbinary people. She also has routinely cited Bible verses while speaking at board meetings since taking office in 2023.

After being warned by legal counsel two months into her role, she continued doing so despite comments from the board president. He said if she continued reciting scripture, she would be going against legal counsel and violating the state's Open Meetings Law and the Establishment Clause, which ensures the legal separation of church and state.