Augusta School Board, activist, reach settlement in First Amendment lawsuit
The agreement filed last week still needs to be approved by a judge
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - A Maine school board and a local activist have settled a federal free-speech lawsuit, according to court documents.
Nicholas Blanchard filed the lawsuit against the Augusta Board of Education and its chair earlier this year, claiming the board violated his First Amendment rights by cutting him off during public comment.
The school board’s attorney argued Blanchard’s time was cut short due to abusive or vulgar language, which the board says is prohibited under meeting policy.
Under a consent agreement filed in federal court last week, both sides agreed to end the lawsuit, pending a judge’s approval.
Records show the board agreed not to enforce portions of a now-repealed public participation policy that was shot down by a judge, to pay Blanchard $17.91 in damages, and to cover a portion of his legal fees.
The Kennebec Journal reports the $17.91 payout is a symbolic figure referencing the year the First Amendment was ratified.
Copyright 2026 WABI. All rights reserved.
