Federal Court Dismisses Ohio Teacher’s Lawsuit Challenging Classroom Book Ban
An Ohio third-grade teacher, Karen Cahall, has lost her lawsuit against the New Richmond Exempted Village School District after being suspended for several days without pay in 2024.
The suspension came after a parent complained about four YA books with LGBTQ+ characters found in her classroom library.
Cahall filed a federal lawsuit arguing that the district’s policy on “controversial materials” was vague and violated her constitutional rights.
However, on September 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Douglas Cole dismissed the case, ruling that teachers do not have a First Amendment right to make independent curricular choices and that districts can determine appropriate classroom materials.
The books in question were not part of formal instruction, but among more than 100 titles available for students to read. Cahall stated that she intended to provide materials that encourage understanding and respect among students.
Every child has the right to a safe, supportive learning environment. This includes ensuring that classroom policies are clear and consistent, helping to protect both teachers and students.
