Facts

Dustin Watson was employed as a physical education teacher at New Technology High School by Sacramento City Unified School District. On January 6, 2021, Watson was in Washington, D.C. to attend the rally that preceded the insurrection and attack on the U.S. Capitol building, and he posted to social media about attending the rally.

In March 2021, Sacramento City Unified mailed Watson a letter of non-reelect and placed Watson on administrative leave until the end of the school year when his employment terminated.

In 2022, Watson sued Sacramento City Unified School District.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that the defendant fired him for attending and posting on social media about attending a political event; that while he did attend the rally, he did not participate in the ensuing riot nor enter the Capitol building; that firing for theses acts was a violation of his First Amendment rights; and that he was entitled to back pay, lost benefits, and emotional damages.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied any wrongdoing or liability. Moreover, the defendant contended that, as a California state agency, it was shielded from any liability by sovereign immunity.

Result

Defendant's motion to dismiss was granted without leave to amend.