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Third Circuit Affirms Chatham School District in Long-running Lawsuit
Summary
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the School District of the Chathams, continuing an eight-year case the board says has imposed legal costs and reputational strain on staff. The plaintiff (identified in the transcript as 'Libby') has signaled an intention to seek further appeal.
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on May 15 affirmed summary judgment for the School District of the Chathams in a lawsuit alleging the district had coerced a student into converting to Islam during a 50-minute seventh-grade unit.
Board member Miss Weber, who briefed the board on the ruling, said the panel unanimously agreed the district’s summary judgment should stand and that the material at issue "does not bear any hallmarks of religious establishment." She said the decision follows earlier rulings by the trial court and a subsequent reaffirmation by Judge McNulty.
Why it matters: The board described the case as protracted and costly. "It's been 8 years, millions of dollars, 4 judges," Miss Weber said at the meeting, adding an estimate of "a little over $100,000" in district money spent outside insurance payments. The board said some teachers named in the litigation have experienced reputational harm from online searches linking them to the allegations.
What the court said: Miss Weber paraphrased passages from the Third Circuit’s opinion, including the panel’s view that instructional materials about beliefs and religious practices "do not offend the constitutional provision," and that religion can be a legitimate subject when teaching geography and cultures. She also referenced the Supreme Court’s decision in Bremerton v. Kennedy as part of the appellate discussion.
Plaintiff response and next steps: The person identified in the transcript only as "Libby" has signaled an intent to seek further review; Miss Weber said she expects the plaintiff to ask the full Third Circuit to rehear the case, which would require 12 judges and more time and expense. The board said the firm representing the plaintiff is based out of Michigan and takes controversial education cases with local plaintiffs.
The district’s position: The board framed the appeals as without merit and said courts have repeatedly affirmed the district’s summary-judgment victories. No additional board action was recorded at this meeting; the district will await further filings if the plaintiff pursues a rehearing.
The district’s statement and court citations noted in the meeting include the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision and references to Bremerton v. Kennedy. The transcript identifies the plaintiff only as "Libby."
