AUSTIN - Yesterday, the Liberty Justice Center sent a demand letter to Denton County District Attorney Paul Johnson requesting an investigation into election interference by school officials who allegedly used public resources to pressure employees into voting for favored candidates.
Last week, Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Denton Independent School District, asserting that on Feb. 5, 2024, the principal of Alexander Elementary School in DISD sent an email to all staff members encouraging the staff to vote against specific candidates who support certain policies.
The Liberty Justice Center’s demand letter argues that the emails constitute illegal electioneering prohibited under the Texas Election Code. It also encloses affidavits from voters throughout Denton County alleging criminal conduct—enough to trigger a mandatory investigation, a press release states.
“Denton County school officials illegally used public resources to further a politically motivated electioneering scheme,” said Educational Freedom Attorney Dean McGee. “In an attempt to sway the election, they abused their positions to pressure employees into voting against candidates who support school choice.
“This is a blatant violation of state law, and we are proud to join registered voters throughout Denton County in demanding that the District Attorney promptly investigate this matter.”
The Liberty Justice Center is best known for its 2018 U.S. Supreme Court victory in Janus v. AFSCME.