Visitors to the Elizabeth School District’s website are greeted with an unusual pop-up inviting assistance in covering legal fees related to a lawsuit concerning the removal of library books. This initiative, which seeks financial support from the community, comes in response to a legal challenge filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado in December 2023. The lawsuit alleges that the district’s decision to remove 19 titles from school libraries infringes upon federal and state free speech protections.
The Elizabeth School District, located southeast of Denver and serving approximately 2,700 students, is receiving backing from several conservative groups, including one led by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl. The district has faced scrutiny for its decision to remove books that primarily feature LGBTQ themes and perspectives from people of color. These titles, which include notable works such as “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison and “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, have since been reinstated due to a court order.
While fundraisers for classroom essentials are common in educational settings, asking for donations to cover legal costs is less typical. The donation page associated with Ganahl’s fundraising efforts features a headline reading “Save Elizabeth School District,” with suggested contributions ranging from $250 to $10,000.
Details regarding the financial implications of this lawsuit remain murky. The district has not publicly disclosed how much it has spent on legal fees related to the book removals. Despite requests for information, district officials have not provided clarity on these expenses.
The case’s plaintiffs include two students from the district, a chapter of the NAACP, and the Authors Guild, a professional organization for writers. Their legal representatives argue that removing these books constitutes a violation of free speech rights. The district, however, maintains that the books were eliminated due to concerns over age appropriateness and educational value, citing issues such as graphic violence and explicit sexual content.
Elizabeth Superintendent Dan Snowberger characterized the situation as a David and Goliath struggle, emphasizing the challenges faced by a small district against a larger organization like the ACLU. He stated, “We will not allow them to impact the educational opportunities for our children in the district,” and highlighted the need to mobilize community support to counter the lawsuit.
The district’s legal battle has drawn mixed reactions from the community. While some residents support the removal of the books, citing concerns over explicit content, others oppose both the book bans and the fundraising campaign. Jessica Capsel, an Elizabeth resident, expressed her discontent, suggesting that the district’s focus on legal matters detracts from its educational mission. She noted the frequent appearance of the donation pop-up on the district’s website, indicating a misalignment of priorities.
Tim Macdonald, legal director of the ACLU of Colorado, clarified that the organization did not initiate the legal action against the district. He stated, “Fighting for the constitutional rights of students in Colorado is how we protect children; violating their constitutional rights is not protecting children.”
As the situation unfolds, the financial details surrounding the district’s legal expenditures remain unclear. Reports indicate that the district has spent approximately $57,000 on one law firm involved in the case, while payments to others have been significantly lower. The overall costs incurred since the lawsuit’s filing in December 2023 are still undetermined.
Fundraising efforts are also ongoing, with various groups rallying to support the district’s legal costs. Ganahl’s conservative news outlet, Rocky Mountain Voice, is hosting a donation platform titled “Save Elizabeth School District,” though information regarding the amount raised and its allocation has not been disclosed. Other groups, including Citizens Defending Freedom, have held fundraising events, further complicating the financial landscape surrounding the case.
As the Elizabeth School District navigates this contentious issue, the interplay between educational policy, community values, and legal rights continues to capture public attention. With ongoing legal proceedings and fundraising efforts, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for school districts across the country.
