Las Vegas Teacher Sues After Arrest During School Protest

News Summary

Kristan Nigro, a teacher and union board member, has filed a lawsuit against the Clark County School District after being arrested during a protest advocating for better teacher contracts. The incident has sparked discussions on civil rights and the treatment of educators in Las Vegas. Despite her charges being dismissed, Nigro seeks justice for the public humiliation and professional setbacks she faced due to her arrest. This case highlights ongoing tensions within the school district regarding teacher rights and contracts amid a backdrop of protests.

Las Vegas Teacher Files Lawsuit After Arrest at Protest

In an unfolding drama that has captivated the Las Vegas community, a local teacher has taken a bold step against the Clark County School District (CCSD). Kristan Nigro, who also serves as an executive board member of the Clark County Education Association, filed a lawsuit on Friday after she was arrested during a protest at a school board meeting in August 2023. This arrest has sparked discussions about rights, freedom of expression, and the ongoing challenges teachers face within the school district.

What Happened at the Protest?

The protest that led to Nigro’s arrest was a significant event, drawing in an estimated 5,000 demonstrators as they rallied for better contract negotiations between the teachers’ union and the school district. Union officials reported that the protesters were vocal, chanting messages that called out the then-Superintendent Jesus Jara, making their discontent heard. On that fateful day, tensions escalated as private security attempted to quiet demonstrators, resulting in police intervention that led to the removal of several attendees.

Among those removed were Nigro and Jim Frazee, the union’s vice president. The atmosphere outside the meeting was charged as well, with union members chanting, rallying in support of their fellow protesters and urging the police to “let her stay” as they witnessed the removal of Nigro.

Aftermath of the Arrest

Following her arrest, Nigro was released with a ticket. However, her troubles didn’t end there. As a kindergarten teacher at Schorr Elementary who also held a leadership position with the Employee Onboarding Department, her arrest led to the loss of that paid role. Her attorney, George Robinson, highlighted the *impact* this incident had on Nigro’s professional life. The night after her arrest, she had to face the parents of her students, adding a layer of difficulty to an already challenging situation.

Legal Action and Allegations

The lawsuit filed by Nigro in District Court includes *seven claims for relief* that focus on serious allegations. Notably, these claims defend her right to peaceful protest, alleging violations of her civil rights, false arrest, and malicious prosecution, among others. The filing points out that Nigro was *specifically targeted* for her involvement in the protest and emphasizes how her First Amendment rights were disregarded during this incident.

The case against Nigro was ultimately dismissed in January 2024 when it was determined by Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Amy Chelini that the state could not provide sufficient evidence for the charges against her. However, her fight is far from over, as the lawsuit seeks to address the damages caused by her arrest and the public humiliation she faced when police paraded her in handcuffs in front of her peers and *new teachers she was supposed to orient*.

The Bigger Picture

This incident has occurred against a backdrop of *broader tensions* within the Clark County School District regarding teacher contracts and pay raises. After heated negotiations, an agreement was reached in December 2023, but the protests highlighted the underlying frustrations that educators have faced during this period. The CCSD has not publicly commented on the pending litigation, and requests for comments from the CCSD Police Department and former School Board President Evelyn Garcia Morales remain unanswered.

The unfolding events surrounding Kristan Nigro’s arrest and subsequent lawsuit not only spotlight the challenges faced by educators in Las Vegas but also emphasize the persistent struggle for teachers’ rights. As this legal battle progresses, many in the community will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that supports the educators dedicated to shaping the minds of the future.

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Additional Resources

• Mohave Daily News
• Las Vegas Review-Journal
• Fox 5 Vegas
• Wikipedia: Teacher rights
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education