(Creston) A federal judge has partially sided with Creston Community School District teacher Melisa Crook, who sued the district after being placed on administrative leave over a Facebook post about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Crook was reprimanded in September after officials said her post caused disruption, citing more than 100 emails, 140 calls, and increased law enforcement presence, though a reported threat was later deemed not credible.
The judge ruled the district likely violated Crook’s First Amendment rights, noting she posted on her personal account, on her own time, and not as a district employee.
The court also found the district failed to show the post actually disrupted school operations, as most complaints did not come from parents or students, and law enforcement was requested by administrators themselves.
The ruling temporarily blocks the district from terminating Crook while the case continues.
