Handling the truth
A recent ruling in the case of a Philadelphia School District employee who was fired after he exposed an alleged sweetheart deal that cost taxpayers millions of dollars is a victory for every citizen's First Amendment rights.
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A recent ruling in the case of a Philadelphia School District employee who was fired after he exposed an alleged sweetheart deal that cost taxpayers millions of dollars is a victory for every citizen's First Amendment rights.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling that Francis X. Dougherty, a former district administrator, was exercising his free-speech rights when he told The Inquirer that former Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman steered a no-bid contract to IBS Communications, a small minority firm.
"Dougherty's report to the Philadelphia Inquirer exposing Dr. Ackerman's alleged misconduct is the archetype of speech deserving the highest rung of First Amendment protection," said U.S. Circuit Judge Michael D. Fisher.
Ackerman, who left the district in 2011 and died in 2013, repeatedly denied Dougherty's allegation. Now, the Third Circuit ruling should clear the way for his lawsuit against Ackerman's estate and the district to proceed.
The litigation appears to be the only way to ensure that the truth is revealed.