At The Olympic Herald, our independent investigative reporting is deeply rooted in regional accountability, advocating for First Amendment protections, and aggressively opposing prior restraints on the press and public.
On Thursday evening, the Port Angeles School District Board of Directors voted 4-1 to pass Resolution 2526-18, a measure formally censuring Director Nancy Hamilton.
The resolution also threatens legal action to physically bar her from future executive sessions.
Hours prior to the board’s decision, I sent a formal letter to Board President Sandy Long, Vice President Kirsten Williams, Director Stan Williams, Director Ned Hammar, and Superintendent Michelle Olsen.
The letter warned the board that utilizing administrative roadblocks to restrict an elected official’s access to information, while explicitly threatening a court injunction, constitutes unlawful First Amendment retaliation and unconstitutional prior restraint.
The letter detailed how these measures violate both the United States and Washington State Constitutions.
Despite these legal warnings, the board majority proceeded to adopt the resolution.
For the public record and full transparency, a copy of the letter I sent to the district before the vote is published below.
📄 Re Unlawful First Amendment Retaliation And Prior Restraint In Proposed Resolution 2526 18 (234KB ∙ PDF file)
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