GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — A former Buford City Schools bus driver is suing the district because she claims she was fired over a Facebook post.
Michele Threkeld said she posted a Facebook link to a newspaper article in March detailing how much the district wanted to spend to install artificial turf at Buford High School. Threkeld said she titled her post "Today's Humor," in light of recent school cutbacks.
The next day, Threlkeld said Buford City School Superintendent Dr. Geye Hamby ordered her into his office.
"He began to tell me how I offended him and embarrassed and humiliated them," Threkeld told Channel 2's Richard Elliot. "He also told me that I had put a huge target on my back."
She said she was fired two months later after her final bus run on the last day of school.
"She has a right to her opinion, and she shouldn't be fired because of it," said her attorney George Weaver.
He's filed a lawsuit in federal court contending that the district violated Threkeld's right to free speech. The suit asks for Threkeld's reinstatement and back pay.
"A public employee has a right to speak on matters of public concern," said Weaver. "That speech is protected so long as it's not disruptive to the operations of the agency."
Elliot tried several times to get a response from Buford City Schools, but no one would speak with him.
Threlkeld said the firing cost her more than just pay and benefits.
"I've lost friends. I have friends who no longer want to have anything to do with me for fear of maybe losing their job or position," Threkeld said.
WSBTV
