Virginia Employment Law, through attorney Thomas E. Strelka, represents Roanoke County Supervisor Martha Hooker in a federal lawsuit alleging her termination from the school system was illegal retaliation for exercising her constitutional rights. The suit names three school board members—Cheryl Facciani, Tim Greenway, and Brent Hudson—along with Superintendent Ken Nicely, and seeks damages for violation of Hooker’s First Amendment rights and wrongful termination.

Hooker contends she was dismissed after casting a vote as a county supervisor that the majority of the school board opposed, constituting protected political expression under both statutory and constitutional law. The defendants deny wrongdoing, asserting no official action was taken regarding her employment and claiming qualified immunity. The Court agreed with the Plaintiff and denied Defendants' motion to dismiss.

This case underscores Virginia Employment Law’s commitment to protecting public servants from retaliation when they engage in lawful speech and advocacy, and to holding government officials accountable when they cross constitutional boundaries.

An article on the case may be read HERE.