ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Somerset County Board of Education Over Withheld Public Records
Somerset County, MD - The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland filed a lawsuit in the Baltimore City Circuit Court against the Somerset County Board of Education. The legal action seeks the release of public records currently withheld by Board officials.
This lawsuit was filed under the Maryland Public Information Act. It addresses the Board's procedures regarding book removals, curriculum changes, the superintendent's departure, and the hiring of new legal counsel.
Community members and state officials have identified alleged violations of state and local law by the newly constituted board. The State Board has reprimanded the Somerset County Board members on at least six occasions since 2025 for failing to adhere to Maryland law.
Residents have requested transparency regarding policies that affect student access to educational materials and school leadership.
"When a school board operates in the shadows, our children's education suffers and our democracy dies," said Deborah Jeon, Legal Director for the ACLU of Maryland. "Somerset's Board has chosen secrecy at every turn - maneuvering to ban books behind closed doors, rejecting expert-preferred curriculum without explanation, and hiding how much taxpayer money is being paid out to bankroll this censorship campaign. If they're making decisions in the best interests of students, why won't they let the public see the receipts?"
The lawsuit outlines a pattern of decision-making that restricts public access to information. This restricted access limits the ability of families to stay informed regarding public school operations.
"As a father, I shouldn't have to fight this hard for basic information about my children's education," said Joe Hylton, a Somerset County parent and advocate for transparency and equity. "My public records requests have been denied - and I'm not alone. The school board is withholding information about finances and decision-making from parents and community members who are deeply invested in Somerset County schools."
The complaint highlights several specific actions taken by the Board. A policy was enacted that removes professional librarians' authority over book selection. This policy grants the Board the final decision on available books. Additionally, the Board's former legal counsel was terminated and replaced by a new firm without competitive bidding or public notice.
The Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education determined this action violated state procurement law. Furthermore, individuals, including parents and the superintendent, were ordered removed from meetings. The Board subsequently transitioned to virtual meetings without a public comment period.
These events resulted in formal complaints filed with the State by local residents. Petitions for the removal of Board members were also organized by community members demanding greater accountability.
"Access to information empowers families and communities," said Rev. James Jones, co-convenor of the Caucus of African American Leaders Eastern Shore. "Somerset County residents are deeply invested in their schools, and they deserve a clear view into how decisions are being made for their children."
The ACLU of Maryland initially submitted public records requests to the Board in August 2025. Additional requests were filed in February 2026. The requested records have not been produced to date.
The lawsuit requests a court order compelling the Board to release all withheld public records. It also seeks a declaration of Maryland Public Information Act violations, damages, and attorneys' fees.
Legal representation for the ACLU of Maryland is provided by attorneys Deborah A. Jeon and Sonia Kumar, paralegal Amy Cruice, and attorneys Tyler O'Connor, Carina Federico, Rachael Padgett, and Kathy Lowrey of Crowell & Moring LLP.
