Phoenix Times Publishing Company V. Barrington School Committee

An Open Meetings Act (OMA) lawsuit against the Barrington School Committee for unlawfully meeting in closed session this past February to discuss the merits of instituting a mandatory breathalyzer policy for all students attending school dances. The lawsuit was later expanded to include the further charge that the school committee, by using “vague boilerplate terminology, … routinely fails to specify the nature of the business to be discussed on public agendas,” and has also failed to provide adequate public notice of some of its meetings. Cooperating Attorneys: Howard Merten and Keith Fayan.

News Releases:

November 16, 2010 - Judge Issues Ruling in Open Meetings Lawsuit Filed Against Barrington School Committee

January 4, 2010 - ACLU Contests “Orwellian” Arguments Offered By Barrington School Committee to Dismiss Open Meetings Lawsuit

September 30, 2009 - Expanded Open Meetings Lawsuit Filed Against Barrington School Committee

August 14, 2009 - Open Meetings Lawsuit Filed Against Barrington School Committee Over Breathalyzer Test Discussion; Fines Sought

Documents:

Court Decision

Original Open Meetings Act (OMA) Lawsuit

Amended OMA Lawsuit

Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Objection to Defendents' Motion to Dismiss