KCRCC files suit against Cd'A schools

The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee was one of three plaintiffs to file suit Monday against Coeur d’Alene School District #271.

Attorney Jeremy Ray Morris filed on behalf of the committee, committee election chair Jeff Tyler and Brigadier General Bob Brooke, whom the KCRCC contends was removed from the Hayden Meadows Elementary School grounds on Nov. 3 at the request of the school district.

The KCRCC argues Brooke was removed despite abiding by electioneering laws that allow campaigning for or against a candidate or issue more than 100 feet from a building where voting is taking place. The district contends that the 100-foot rule extends from the premises, which would include all school property.

An opinion from the Idaho Attorney General’s office released Thursday sided with the school district, adding that schools are not traditional public forums and therefore do not follow the same guidelines as other polling places.

In Monday's filing, the plaintiffs also argue that schools have allowed electioneering to occur in past elections, making the district guilty of viewpoint discrimination. The committee is also seeking an injunction against the district that would allow demonstrators to continue electioneering, should they so choose.

The KCRCC, Tyler and Brooke are asking for $17,760 in damages, which Morris said would be donated to local charter schools if they prevail.

Scott Maben, communications director for the Coeur d’Alene School District, said the district is confident both in its defense and in the Attorney General’s opinion that schools have the responsibility to keep their grounds safe for students and visitors alike.

“It’s not just about student and staff safety,” Maben said. “It’s about the safety of the voters, as well. If we have people standing in the parking lot, disrupting the flow of traffic, that can be a safety issue.”