Moorehead v. Allentown School District

Case Background

On October 05, 2024, Jason Moorehead filed a civil rights lawsuit against the School District of the City of Allentown for violating his First Amendment rights. The case was filed in the United States District Court, Pennsylvania Eastern (Allentown). [Case number: 5:22cv3959]

Cause

Jason Moorehead taught middle school social studies for many years in the Allentown (PA) School District, working at an inner-city school with a diverse student population. He saw his role as part of a broader mission. Moorehead identified as a political conservative and a supporter of former President Trump.

After the 2020 election results were certified, Moorehead felt compelled to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. Although he was never close to the Capitol, Moorehead described the event as hearing speeches, eating a hot dog, and taking a bus home. He also shared several memes on social media, stating that he was “doing his civic duty.” He made light of the violence at the Capitol, joking that the “Capitol is insured.”

The school district quickly discovered Moorehead’s presence in Washington, D.C., on January 6. The next day, it suspended him and issued a public statement, implying an ongoing investigation without naming him directly. Moorehead remained suspended for seven months. In January 2022, the district terminated his employment.

Damages

The Plaintiff sought judgment against the Defendants, holding them jointly and severally liable for all claims. They demanded compensatory damages as well as punitive damages, prejudgment, and post-judgment interest, delay damages, and any equitable relief deemed appropriate by the Court. The Plaintiff also requested a public retraction and correction of defamatory statements through a name-clearing hearing, compensation for harm caused by the Defendants’ actions, including loss of earnings, career damage, reputational harm, and emotional suffering.

Additionally, they sought punitive damages to penalize reckless and self-serving conduct, exemplary damages to deter similar actions, attorneys’ fees, court costs, and any further relief necessary to protect their rights.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Jason Moorehead
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Alfred Joseph Fluehr
  • Defendant(s): School District of the City of Allentown
    • Counsel for Defendant(s):  John E. Freund III | Brian J. Taylor | Shorav Kaushik

Claims

Moorehead sued the school district, claiming it had violated his First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. He argued that, aside from making a few inappropriate jokes about the Capitol assault, he had not committed any wrongdoing or broken the law. He further contended that the school district was aware of this but never retracted its statements about him. Moorehead criticized the district’s actions, describing them as insidious and Orwellian.

Defense

The school district denied that the issue was related to civil rights. The defense argued instead that it was an employment dispute. The district claimed it took action not to limit Moorehead’s speech but because he posted offensive, insensitive, and careless comments on social media. Moorehead disagreed, asserting that his speech was protected. He argued that the school district had damaged his reputation and ended his teaching career.

Jury Verdict

On August 19, 2024, the jury returned the verdict in favor of Moorehead and awarded him $125,000 in compensatory damages. The jury also awarded him $6,500 in punitive damages, bringing the total to $131,500.

Court Documents:

Available for purchase upon request