Lawsuit Targets Idaho’s Classroom Display Restrictions
An Idaho educator has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state law that restricts certain displays in K–12 public school classrooms. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.
The lawsuit names the Idaho State Board of Education, the Idaho State Department of Education, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, the West Ada School District, and school administrators as defendants.
Posters at the Center of the Dispute
The lawsuit centers on two posters that were displayed in a middle school classroom in Meridian.
One poster included the message that students are welcome, important, accepted, respected, encouraged, valued, and equal. The other read “Everyone Is Welcome Here” above images of raised hands shown in different skin tones.
According to the filing, the posters were displayed for several years without complaints.
School Ordered Removal of the Signs
The teacher was instructed by school administrators in early 2025 to remove the posters. District officials cited policies intended to avoid controversial messaging and the promotion of individual beliefs in classrooms.
The lawsuit states that administrators described the posters as expressing opinions not universally shared. The teacher initially complied but later rehung the posters.
School officials later classified the action as insubordination.
State Law Governing Classroom Displays
The case challenges Idaho Code § 33-143, enacted in 2025, which restricts the display of flags and banners in public schools that express views on political, religious, social, or ideological topics.
The lawsuit argues the law lacks clear definitions for what qualifies as political or ideological content. It also disputes how the law is being interpreted and applied to classroom posters.
Guidance attributed to the attorney general’s office indicated that posters may fall under the statute’s restrictions.
Constitutional Claims Raised in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit argues that the law and its enforcement violate constitutional protections.
The complaint claims the statute is vague, overly broad, and applied inconsistently. It also alleges viewpoint discrimination, stating that some school messages remained displayed while the posters were removed.
The filing further alleges that the teacher’s First Amendment rights were infringed through the enforcement actions.
Resignation and Requested Court Action
According to the complaint, the teacher later resigned from her position in the district. She now works in another Idaho school district and continues to display similar posters.
The lawsuit asks the court to declare the law unconstitutional and to block its enforcement. It also seeks damages and legal costs from certain defendants.
Enforcement Varies Across Districts
The filing states that application of the classroom display law differs across Idaho school districts. Examples cited in the complaint suggest similar posters remain displayed in some schools.
The lawsuit also references public statements by elected officials and others regarding how the law should be interpreted and enforced.
What Happens Next
Defendants have 21 days to respond to the lawsuit. The case is expected to test how far the state can regulate classroom displays and how such regulations intersect with teacher speech and school authority.
Related Coverage
Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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