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By PATRICIA MANSON
pmanson@lawbulletinmedia.com
A high school teacher fired for disrupting school district operations by making "vulgar, intemperate, and racially insensitive" Facebook posts following George Floyd's murder does not have a claim under the First Amendment, a federal appeals court held.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to revive plaintiff Jeanne Hedgepeth's lawsuit accusing officials at Township High School District 211 of retaliating against her for exercising her right to speak about Floyd's May 2020 killing by a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd's neck.
The court acknowledged Hedgepeth was speaking as a citizen on a matter of public concern in posts on her personal Facebook account criticizing protestors who took to the streets over Floyd's murder and commenting on race in America.
But Hedgepeth's interest in speaking was outweighed by District 211's interest in providing educational services effectively, the court held.
And the court held a reasonable jury could find Hedgepeth's speech hampered the district's ability to meet that goal.
One of Hedgepeth's posts stated she needed "a gun and training" in light of the beginning of a "civil war." Another post suggested that police quell demonstrations over Floyd's murder by using water cannons attached to septic tank trucks on protestors.
And while debating a former student online, Hedgepeth made a Facebook post that stated: "I find the term 'white privilege' as racist as the 'N' word."
The school district was flooded with complaints and media inquiries about the posts, Judge Nancy L. Maldonado wrote for a panel of the 7th Circuit.
"Hedgepeth's posts threw school and district operations into disarray and unsettled her colleagues' classrooms," she wrote. "The posts sparked outrage, drew media attention, and forced the District into a costly and time-consuming public relations response."
The panel upheld a decision by U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah of the Northern District of Illinois to grant summary judgment in favor of District 211 and the district officials named as defendants in the suit.
Hedgepeth worked as a social studies teacher at Palatine High School in District 211 from 2000 until she was fired in July 2020.
In 2016, Hedgepeth was suspended for one day without pay for using profanity when discussing the U.S. presidential election that had been held that year. She was suspended for four days without pay in 2019, that time for directing profanity at a student who purportedly had not completed his homework.
After Hedgepeth's Facebook posts in May and June 2020 stirred up controversy, District 211's school board voted to fire her. She sought a hearing before the Illinois State Board of Education to challenge that decision.
In July 2021, after the hearing was held but before the Board of Education issued its decision, Hedgepeth filed her suit in federal court in Chicago accusing District 211 and various district officials of violating her First Amendment rights.
The Board of Education upheld Hedgepeth's firing in November 2022. In February 2024, Shah granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants in Hedgepeth's federal suit.
He held Hedgepeth was precluded from pursuing her First Amendment claim in federal court because the factual disputes in the case were previously resolved against her in the administrative proceedings before the Board of Education. And even if Hedgepeth could pursue her federal claims, Shah held, those claims failed on the merits.
Hedgepeth appealed, and the 7th Circuit panel upheld Shah's ruling on Aug. 26.
"A public employee bringing a First Amendment retaliation claim must prove three things: (1) that she engaged in constitutionally protected speech, (2) that she suffered a deprivation likely to deter such speech, and (3) that the speech was a motivating factor in her termination," Maldonado, citing Harnishfeger v. United States, 943 F.3d 1105 (7th Cir. 2019).
She wrote Hedgepeth's case fails on the first element of that test.
To determine whether speech is constitutionally protected, a judge first asks, "whether the employee is speaking as a citizen on a matter of public concern," Maldonado wrote, quoting Kilborn v. Amiridis, 131 F.4th 550 (7th Cir. 2025).
If the employee's speech meets that requirement, she continued, quoting Pickering v. Board of Education of Township High School District 205, 391 U.S. 563 (1968), the judge weighs the employee's interest in speaking against the government's interest "in promoting the efficiency of the public services."
While Floyd's murder and race relations in this country are matters of public concern, Hedgepeth's speech on the topics "was not informed by any specialized expertise or knowledge gained through her status as a public employee," Maldonado wrote.
In fact, she wrote, Hedgepeth contended her posts were either jokes or remarks made by others that she was sharing on her Facebook account.
"Given that context, while her speech was certainly not devoid of constitutional value, the district's showing of substantial disruption engendered by Hedgepeth's conduct is sufficient to outweigh her interest in expression," Maldonado wrote.
Joining the opinion were Judges Kenneth F. Ripple and Michael Y. Scudder Jr.
The case is Jeanne Hedgepeth v. James A. Britton, et al., No. 24-1427.
aul J. Orfanedes of Judicial Watch Inc. in Washington, D.C., argued the case before the 7th Circuit on behalf of Hedgepeth. Hailey Golds of Franczek P.C. argued the case on behalf District 211 and the individual defendants.
Neither Orfanedes nor Golds could be reached for comment.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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