East Chicago board votes to join class‑action litigation against social media companies

The School City of East Chicago Board of Trustees voted Jan. 13 to adopt Resolution 2026‑01 authorizing the district to join class‑action litigation against social media companies that trustees and counsel say have contributed to student harm.

Board attorney Joe Harris described the resolution as part of a broader effort by several Indiana school corporations to pursue legal remedies against platforms that allow minors unfettered access, arguing the litigation would protect students and could prompt changes in law and platform policies. "If successful, it could generate some revenue to the district," Harris said, while stressing that protecting children’s well‑being is a primary rationale.

Trustee Gomez questioned the approach, asking what the opposing argument would say; Harris summarized the counterargument by saying opponents would emphasize parental responsibility for children’s online activity and contend that social media companies are not solely responsible.

The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Trustee Rodriguez, seconded by Trustee Gibson King, and passed on a roll call: Trustees Gibson King, Rodriguez, Smith and President Taylor voted yes; Trustee Gomez voted no.

The board did not specify a target damages amount or a timeline for the litigation during the meeting; Attorney Harris said the district would be joining other school corporations and that more legal details would follow. The resolution authorizes participation in the litigation but does not obligate the board to accept any particular settlement without further approval.

Next steps: legal staff will finalize signatures and provide trustees with updates as litigation documents and timelines become available.