In Jacksonville, Florida, the lawsuits were initiated by the two educators who claim that Duval County Public Schools imposed unjust consequences on them, violating their constitutional rights. Both cases highlight the ongoing tension over what constitutes protected speech, particularly in the realm of social media.

Attorney John Phillips, representing the educators, made the announcement on Monday. He emphasized that both individuals have been subjected to disciplinary actions which he argues infringe on their freedom of speech. According to Phillips, the educators have endured several months of repercussions stemming from what he insists is their lawful expression.

One of the lawsuits involves Hope McMath, a seasoned Advanced Placement Art History teacher at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. McMath has been suspended since September. Phillips points out that the school district has not presented any claims of inappropriate conduct within her classroom, suggesting that the disciplinary measures are solely linked to her social media posts.

Phillips says McMath has been suspended since September, and that the district has provided no allegations of misconduct in the classroom.

According to Phillips, the only complaint he’s aware of came from Moms for Liberty, tied to what he describes as “conversational comments” McMath made on social media about several topics — including conservative activist Charlie Kirk, shortly after his death.

First Coast News previously reported that a Florida Department of Education commissioner also submitted a complaint to the district regarding McMath.

Speaking Monday, McMath defended her work in the classroom:

“But I have never, and would never teach about my own political views or any kind of political rhetoric. A lot of people want to say I have somehow done harm. The real harm has been done by the people who have forced me to be taken out of that classroom.” said McMath.

The second lawsuit was filed for Haley Bartlett, a 20-year-old paraeducator at Oak Hill Academy.

Phillips says Bartlett was removed from her classroom after re-sharing a TikTok video also related to Kirk. He alleges she has spent months isolated from students, without explanation or clarity about her employment status.

Bartlett said the legal action was a last resort:

“I did not want to reach this point… but unfortunately, to be able to see my students — who I adore and love so much — and my coworkers who have had my back since day one, I have gotten to that point,” Haley Bartlett said.

First Coast News reached out to DCPS for comment. A district spokesperson said that because the matter involves pending litigation, any response will be handled through the judicial process.

Both lawsuits are expected to move forward in the coming months.

First Coast News will continue to follow the cases and provide updates as they develop.