FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
MSLF Communications Dept.
MacKenzie Guy
(303)-292-2021
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFICIALS TRY TO MAKE AN EXAMPLE OUT OF A MOTHER EXERCISING FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT
LAKEWOOD, CO (August 19, 2024) —Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) is proud to announce the filing of a lawsuit on behalf of Kristen Fry, an everyday American parent with children enrolled in the Denver Public Schools (DPS). Our complaint alleges that Ms. Fry was targeted for harsh retaliation simply because she spoke out against dangerous policies that contributed to lawlessness and violence in DPS schools.
The lawsuit alleges that four DPS board members, along with politically connected consultants, made an example of Ms. Fry by smearing her reputation and by falsely accusing her of committing a racist hate crime and physical assault during a public meeting. Ms. Fry was criminally charged, banned from school board sessions, and even lost her volunteer role within DPS. After Kristen’s criminal defense team finally got DPS to turn over video evidence that had been withheld for months, the charges were dismissed.
MSLF Senior Counsel, James Kerwin said, “What happened to Kristen Fry is truly chilling. Imagine how terrifying it would be to face the possibility of going to jail for a crime you did not commit, not to mention being repeatedly smeared in public, simply for exercising your most basic right as an American to participate in democracy. Kristen’s lawsuit will send a strong message to public school board members that they are not tyrants but are accountable to parents and community members for everything they do.”
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent further retaliation and demands accountability from those responsible for the injustices she has endured. MSLF stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights of parents and ensuring that the voices of concerned citizens are heard without fear of retribution.
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Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) is a nonprofit, public-interest legal firm established in 1977. MSLF is dedicated to individual liberty, limited and ethical government, and the benefits of the free enterprise system. MSLF defends its clients through pro bono litigation and seeks victory for its clients at the highest level possible to establish binding legal precedents to benefit millions of Americans. Through its litigation and public discourse, MSLF educates the American public on the threat unrestrained government presents to our liberties. Learn more at mslegal.org