LANCASTER, Texas — In November, Lancaster ISD censored and reprimanded two trustees, Temika Whitfield and Gregory Stephenson.
Whitfield was temporarily banned from district property. Stephenson had to complete ethics training by January 11. That was extended another 30 days during the February 22nd meeting.
Both Whitfield and Stephenson filed lawsuits against the district and two trustees.
“We were both censored, and I believe unfairly, for statements and other actions that we [feel] are well within our authorities as district trustees,” said Stephenson.
He said he is suing because his requests for documents go unanswered.
“Our district routinely ignores them, and currently, I have dozens, literally dozens of requests for information that are ignored,” said Stephenson.
He was initially listed on a second lawsuit with Whitfield claiming that the censorship violated their free speech. He said he has since taken his name off that lawsuit.
Whitfield said she filed a temporary injunction for her own protection moving forward. She spoke virtually at Thursday’s board meeting.
“I came in to do my job, and that’s it. I am being kept from my job,” said Whitfield. “You cannot create an issue and then play victim to your own demise.”
Lawyers representing the school district filed a suggestion for mootness. In court documents, they argued that since Whitfield’s ban from district property is only temporary, ending February 29, there’s no need for judicial intervention.
The Texas Education Agency assigned the district a conservator in 2023. The conservator said the two lawsuits have been costing the district thousands.
“These fees are not acceptable. They affect the district’s first rating, and because they are avoidable, represents a level of fiscal irresponsibility,” said Whitfield.
The district said they cannot comment on the lawsuit but said they recognize the need to be transparent.
“I think our board took a step last night to kind of put that out there, put the information out there, so that they can take the steps needed to ensure that they meet the goals they set for themselves as a board,” said Kimberly Simpson, Lancaster ISD Chief of Communications.
In a separate issue, Whitfield filed criminal charges against trustee Carolyn Morris. Whitfield claims Morris assaulted her.
“There was no attack. I didn’t attack her,” said Morris.
She said that case is going to a grand jury. WFAA reached out to the District Attorney’s office. They said they cannot comment on cases that may or may not be ongoing investigations.
“If we are really committed to the children and working for the children in Lancaster, why are we fighting like this each other?” asked Morris.
It is a fight that comes at the cost of students.
The next hearing for Whitfield’s lawsuit against the district is Monday, February 26.
Note: This video was uploaded Nov. 17, 2023:
