News Summary
Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe has filed a lawsuit against the Huntington Beach Union High School District after being fired as a freshman football coach. Kluwe claims his termination was retaliatory, linked to his social media activity following a protest at a local City Council meeting. The lawsuit cites breaches of his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights and accuses the district of failing to conduct a fair investigation. Kluwe, an activist known for challenging the status quo, argues this case raises important discussions about free speech and civil rights in public employment.
Huntington Beach, California – Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe has filed a lawsuit against the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) after being terminated from his position as a freshman football coach at Edison High School. Kluwe’s firing on February 27, 2023, occurred shortly after he was arrested during a protest at the Huntington Beach City Council meeting, where he participated in a demonstration against a Plaque featuring a controversial acrostic. Kluwe claims his termination was based on a misinterpretation of his social media posts, which he insists encouraged civic engagement rather than violence.
The lawsuit, which cites violations of Kluwe’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, alleges retaliatory discharge, civil rights violations, and deprivation of due process. Kluwe argues that the school district did not inform him of any alleged violation, did not allow him the opportunity to respond to the accusations, and failed to conduct a fair investigation into the matter. His claims have drawn the attention of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, which is co-counseling the case.
Kluwe’s arrest stemmed from a peaceful act of civil disobedience on February 18 at the City Council meeting, where he protested against a plaque displaying a Make America Great Again (MAGA) acrostic. Following this incident, the HBUHSD released a statement condemning any language that may incite violence. The social media post that led to Kluwe’s termination was made days later and was quickly deleted. In his lawsuit, he asserts that he expressed his opinions as a private citizen, invoking his right to free speech.
The suit names several key figures within the school district, including HBUHSD Superintendent Carolee Ogata, Board of Trustees President Susan Henry, and Assistant Superintendent Daniel Bryan. Kluwe’s legal action seeks to challenge what he describes as retaliatory actions taken against him for expressing his views outside of his professional role.
As high school football practices began in Southern California on the Monday following Kluwe’s firing, students and coaches at Edison High School faced the changes linked to his absence. Kluwe’s background as an activist and his history of challenging the status quo are notable, particularly his previous legal threats against the Minnesota Vikings related to his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. This latest episode adds to his profile as a figure willing to confront what he views as injustices, particularly regarding free speech.
Kluwe is currently preparing for his campaign for the Assembly District 72 seat, aimed at running in next year’s elections. He has articulated concerns regarding the implications of being dismissed for exercising free speech during personal time. Kluwe perceives this case as indicative of broader societal issues around free expression and civil rights.
While the school district has refrained from commenting on the lawsuit, citing confidentiality regarding personnel matters, the ongoing legal battle highlights significant tensions between public employment and free speech rights. Kluwe’s case could potentially set critical precedents, particularly for educators and public employees navigating similar challenges across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Chris Kluwe
- FOX LA
- Google Search: Chris Kluwe Huntington Beach protest
- ABC7
- Google Scholar: Chris Kluwe First Amendment
- OC Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chris Kluwe
- New York Times
- Google News: Chris Kluwe free speech
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
