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Parent's counsel urges Monroe board to reverse superintendent's decision in Title IX appeal
Summary
Richard Thompson, representing Sean Lechner and his 16-year-old daughter Briley, told the Monroe Public Schools board the superintendent—not the independent investigator—implemented the report that found the school's Title IX complaint unsubstantiated and asked the board to reverse that decision to protect student privacy and safety.
Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, told the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education that he was representing Sean Lechner and his 16-year-old daughter, Briley, and asked the board to reverse a superintendent's finding on a Title IX complaint.
"This was not a recommendation by the independent counsel. This was a decision made by Mister Andrew Shaw, the superintendent," Thompson said, arguing the board has the authority under board policy 22-60 to hear and overturn the superintendent's decision. He framed the appeal as centered on student privacy, safety and fairness and said the family seeks accountability.
Thompson recounted the sequence that led to the appeal and played a brief recorded clip of the daughter's earlier remarks to illustrate the family's perspective. He argued that the district's handling of the matter left female athletes exposed and urged the board to reconsider the unsubstantiated finding announced by the district's investigator.
The complainant's counsel also referenced the district's posted Title IX policy and federal legal frameworks while warning of potential federal funding consequences if the district's policies were construed in conflict with guidance he cited. The board's counsel had earlier reminded the room that FERPA protections apply and that the complainant had a right to appeal the superintendent's decision. The transcript does not record any board vote or final decision on the appeal during the segments provided.
