ACLU of Kentucky Represents Parent Banned from School Property for Engaging in Protected Speech

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –ACLU of Kentucky attorneys entered their appearance today notifying the court that they would be representing Elizabeth Jones of Letcher County, Kentucky, in her litigation against the Jenkins Independent School District. Ms. Jones is challenging the school district’s decision to indefinitely ban her from all school property even though her two children attend the school.

In a December 15, 2025, letter from the school board’s attorney, the school district told Jones they would have law enforcement remove her from any property the school district owns or leases, and seek criminal trespass charges against her, even though her children attend the school and participate in extracurricular activities on school property. The school district claims, without pointing to any examples, that Jones’ social media posts “appear to be harassment.”

“As a single mother, it is very painful to have to miss my kids’ activities,” said Jones. “I have not threatened or harassed anyone, especially any students, on my channel, and there is no reason to keep me from attending school events like any other parent.”

Jones is a citizen journalist who posts frequently about criminal justice issues in and around the community, including a pending case against the former Letcher County Sheriff. She is also an involved parent to two students in the Jenkins Independent School District, and she enjoys photographing her children’s activities and sharing those photographs online.

“The ACLU of Kentucky has a long tradition of protecting individual liberties in the Commonwealth,” said Corey Shapiro, legal director for the ACLU of Kentucky. “We look forward to assisting Ms. Jones in vindicating her free speech rights.”

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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kentucky is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislature and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms.