District 113 Settles Lawsuit with Teacher Over Social Media Post

Township High School District 113 has reached a settlement with teacher Britnee Kenyon regarding her First Amendment and defamation lawsuit against the district. This agreement concludes a controversy that originated from social media posts she shared in December 2023 related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. The district’s board approved the settlement during a meeting on October 31, 2023, which saw significant public attendance and included one dissenting vote from board member Alexander Brunk.

In addition to the settlement, the board also approved a notice to remedy, a disciplinary measure for Kenyon. Following the meeting, the district issued a statement clarifying that the settlement does not imply any wrongdoing on its part. Specific details about the settlement and the notice will be made accessible through the Freedom of Information Act after a legal review, according to a district representative.

Financial Stewardship and Legal Considerations
In its statement, the district emphasized its commitment to financial stewardship and the importance of evaluating legal matters carefully. The board takes into account various factors, including staff time, legal fees, and counsel’s advice when deciding whether a settlement is in the best interest of students, staff, and taxpayers.

The controversy began when Kenyon, who has served as the theater director at Deerfield High School since 2019, shared a post by American author Ibram X. Kendi. The post criticized the Israeli military, describing its actions as ethnic cleansing and a “crime against humanity.” Although the post was deleted within 24 hours, it sparked considerable backlash from some parents in the community.

Kenyon, who identifies as Jewish, faced accusations of antisemitism, with some claiming her post slandered Israel. Following the incident, then-board President Daniel Struck issued a statement denouncing Kenyon’s post, suggesting it undermined the beliefs of a significant portion of the student body. In January 2024, Kenyon received a written reprimand for her social media activity. Struck resigned from his position in February as the controversy deepened.

Community Support and Dissent
During the recent board meeting, a majority of speakers expressed support for Kenyon, illustrating her positive reputation among students and parents. One student, identifying as a “proud supporter of Zionism,” argued that the situation was fundamentally about freedom of speech. He urged the board to recognize the importance of civil discourse in society and suggested that Kenyon deserved an apology.

Many attendees carried signs proclaiming “Stop targeting teachers,” and statements of support for Kenyon were met with applause. Fellow theater teacher J.R. Willard-Rose expressed admiration for the community support, stating that it speaks volumes about Kenyon’s character. He emphasized the importance of her right to express her views, framing her post as anti-violence.

Parent Jamie Tiplitsky read a statement from her sons, asserting that Kenyon had always supported their Jewish identities and praised her as an educator. However, not all comments were positive. A Deerfield mother criticized Kenyon for perceived favoritism and inappropriate behavior, recounting negative experiences her daughter had with the teacher that led her to abandon theater.

The meeting also saw the presence of Daniel Schwartz, president of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, who has publicly condemned Kenyon for disseminating what he described as “anti-Israel propaganda.” Schwartz characterized the settlement as a capitulation, claiming that parents had raised concerns about political indoctrination within the district. He expressed discontent over the lack of transparency regarding how taxpayer funds were allocated in the settlement.

“Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences,” Schwartz remarked, arguing that teachers wield unique authority and must be held accountable when their personal politics interfere with their professional responsibilities.

The settlement between District 113 and Kenyon marks a significant moment in a deeply polarizing issue, highlighting the complexities surrounding free speech, education, and community values. As details continue to emerge, the implications for both the district and its educators remain to be seen.