Taos Municipal Schools votes to join multi‑district lawsuit against social media companies

Taos Municipal Schools on Aug. 20 voted to join a national, multi‑district lawsuit alleging major social media platforms design products that are addictive and harm children. The board approved a motion directing the superintendent to execute a contract with Singleton Schreiber LLP to represent the district in the litigation. The engagement carries no upfront cost to the district; the firm will recover a 20% contingency fee only if the district obtains a monetary recovery. The litigation was presented to the board by Brian S. Colon of Singleton Schreiber LLP, who told trustees the case targets algorithms that the firm says profit by promoting addictive content and that the litigation now includes about 900 school districts nationwide. “This is litigation that is really rooted in accountability for social media platforms who are profiting on advancing algorithms and their platforms in a way that is causing social media addiction for our children,” Colon said. Board members voiced support for participating. President Flores made the motion to engage Singleton Schreiber; Vice President Spray seconded. The board voted unanimously in favor: King, Trujillo, Spray and Flores voted yes. During discussion, Colon described the litigation process and timelines, saying a bellwether trial was scheduled for the fall but could be reset. He said some plaintiffs have been involved longer and therefore may receive a higher settlement premium in any negotiated resolution. Colon said the firm collects data from public sources first, then works with the superintendent or a designee to gather additional information, and that school districts bear no cost if there is no recovery. Board members pressed about the litigation’s scope. Vice President Spray asked whether artificial intelligence (AI) features are part of the claims; Colon said the litigation’s core focus is algorithms and their addictive characteristics and that AI’s role may expand as cases develop. Secretary Trujillo asked what behavioral changes the board should expect in settlements; Colon said negotiations typically address behavior and terms such as parental notification or limits on time exposure but cautioned specific performance is not guaranteed and that monetary awards and negotiated reforms are both possible. The board requested a copy of the list of New Mexico districts currently represented by the firm and asked the superintendent to return to the board with contract details for execution. Colon named Santa Fe Public Schools, Las Cruces Public Schools, Cuesta, Penasco and Socorro as examples of districts involved and said Mora Schools joined early. The board’s vote directs the superintendent to finalize the engagement and execute the contract under the terms described in open session. The district did not adopt any additional directives or financial commitments beyond authorizing the superintendent to sign the engagement for litigation on the district’s behalf. What’s next: Superintendent Dr. Layton will receive the contract and return to the board with the finalized agreement and any updates about how the district will participate in discovery or data sharing.