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Both sides agreed to federal mediation after a district judge suggested the constitutional claims had merit.

The new policy strikes the prohibitions on teachers and strikes a statement that the violation of those policies is insubordination. It clarifies that school district employees are free to express themselves in their private capacity but cant divulge deliberative and confidential information until that information has already been shared by the district to someone outside the district. The teachers union said the new policy protects the First Amendment rights of educators in Woodland Park.

Since the ban on speaking to the press, multiple teachers told CPR they were terrified of speaking on-the-record and asked to be anonymous without any identifying features in news reports.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit has twice found such restrictions on public school employees speech unconstitutional. In a spring interview with CPR, Superintendent Ken Witt was asked about the ban.

I think the policy speaks for itself, he said.

Owen, the plaintiff, who is also a science teacher in Woodland Park, said its critical that teachers are able to share their voice to advocate for their students.

Its a victory for the community at large, which deserves to know whats happening in our childrens schools.

The district does not have a collecting bargaining agreement with the union but as part of the agreement the unions president will meet with Superintendent Witt monthly as a way to hear union concerns.

WPSD is committed to continuing its practice of seeking input and perspectives from educators directly rather than through union organizations, the district said in a statement.

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Woodland Park teachers win their fight to restore First Amendment ... - Colorado Public Radio