A federal court has significantly reduced the damages awarded to Jessica Light, a teacher from New Haven, Connecticut, who claimed she faced retaliation for her advocacy on health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, a jury had granted her $1.1 million in damages after finding that the New Haven Board of Education and her school’s principal sought to silence her public comments regarding health issues. This week, U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton lowered the verdict to $450,000, ruling that the jury’s decision lacked clarity on the specific individuals responsible for the alleged retaliation.
Light, who had been teaching for nearly 15 years at the Worthington Hooker School, alleged that school administrators attempted to prevent her from publicly discussing safety measures regarding in-person learning amid the pandemic. The court’s decision addressed a post-trial question raised by the city of New Haven. Judge Arterton’s ruling granted a retrial for the aspect of Light’s lawsuit concerning retaliation for her public questioning of pandemic safety protocols.
The original jury’s verdict remained intact for Light’s claims that a school administrator interfered with her right to free speech and defamed her by falsely accusing her of leaking confidential health information. These claims were awarded $450,000, highlighting the jury’s recognition of the importance of free expression among educators.
Judge Arterton noted the contentious nature of public discussions regarding in-person versus remote learning during the pandemic. In a detailed 57-page opinion, she referenced a letter sent by AFT Connecticut in July 2020, which informed members, including Light, of their First Amendment rights to speak publicly on matters of health and safety. Light felt compelled to advocate for safe reopening policies, voicing her concerns at various school board and parent meetings.
After a meeting organized by the school administration, where staff were reminded of their rights to advocate, Light faced backlash for her public comments. According to court documents, Light was reprimanded for allegedly causing fear in the community, a situation that escalated to her being criticized for not communicating her concerns directly to the administration.
The fallout from her advocacy extended to her annual evaluation, which typically lasts 15 minutes but stretched to an hour and a half, focusing on her professionalism and public statements. Following this evaluation, Light was reassigned to teach first grade, a decision she claimed was influenced by her advocacy.
Light took a medical leave in October 2021, citing “Complex PTSD” triggered by what she described as a hostile work environment. Her mental health struggles were compounded by a history of trauma, including childhood abuse and the murder of her father.
During the trial, Light testified that her relationships with colleagues deteriorated significantly after she began advocating for safety measures. She described a shift from a supportive work environment to one where she felt isolated, stating, “I had no problems with anyone… I was happy to be at work. I felt supported.” Following her leave, Light found employment at another school in New Haven, continuing her career in education.
Judge Arterton’s decision underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding educators’ rights to express concerns about public health, particularly in a pandemic context. The legal proceedings reflect broader debates about safety, accountability, and the role of teachers in advocating for their communities during unprecedented times.