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Brownsburg lunch ladies declare victory in First Amendment case

Women reprimanded for social media posts
Posted at 11:15 PM, Sep 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-01 23:41:28-04

BROWNSBURG, Ind. -- Two lunch ladies fighting for their right to free speech said they found justice Thursday.

After being written up for a social media post, the Brownsburg Schools Corporation employees took on the district.

MORE | ACLU, cafeteria workers sue Brownsburg Schools Corporation for First Amendment violations

On Thursday, RTV6 learned the case had been dismissed. It was the moment Tina Gracey and Brenda Farnsworth say they have been waiting for.

"I wouldn't say we didn't cry over it," they said. "We did cry over it."

The year-long battle started when the two friends, neighbors and lunch ladies spoke out against a pair of school referendums.

"It was something that was placed on the ballot for us to vote on, within our community, that was going to affect our wallets," the woman said.

They went on Facebook to voice their opinions, but those opinions led to reprimands form the school district for violating its social media policy.

Outraged, the women took a stand, and the battle ensued via litigation.

On Thursday, the women said their punishments had been rescinded and the corporate social media policy changed and clarified.

"I think it is awesome," the women said.

The women say they hope their success empowers other employees to stand up for themselves.