Student in Free-Speech Case to Run for School Board
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The Bassett High School student who was nearly barred from graduating because he depicted the principal as a dictator has a new cause: He’s running for the school board.
Joe Neal, who turned 18 in June, has filed candidacy papers for a seat on the Bassett Unified School District board.
Citing free-speech concerns, a federal judge ordered school officials to allow Neal to graduate. Neal had been suspended and faced expulsion after distributing fliers that criticized changes in school programs and compared the principal to various dictators.
At the June commencement, classmates gave Neal a standing ovation and some teachers wore miniature American flags in support.
“I think it’s time for a full change, a fresh new set of ideas and thoughts,” Neal said, explaining why he is seeking the board seat.
Incumbents are seeking reelection to all three of the at-large school board seats that will be contested in the November voting. In addition to Neal, four other challengers have filed.
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