Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Filed Against HCC By Outspoken Trustee

HOUSTON – A lawsuit filed against Houston Community College by one of its trustees was dismissed on Friday, college officials announced. United States District Judge Kenneth Hoyt dismissed the lawsuit filed by HCC Trustee Dave Wilson, who sought damages for alleged violations of his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

According to a press release from HCC, Wilson alleged that his rights were violated when the board of trustees voted to adopt a resolution of censure against him.

The censure was narrowly adopt after Wilson was accused of being publicly critical of his colleagues on the board.

The resolution, which described Wilson’s conduct as inappropriate and reprehensible, cites that Wilson violated of the college’s bylaws and failed to respect the board’s collective decision-making process; engage in open and honest discussions in making board decisions; respect trustees’ differing opinions; interact with trustees in a mutually respectful manner; and act in Houston Community College System’s best interest, according to the press release.

The court concluded that the resolution did not violate Wilson’s rights, because, Wilson remained free to speak publicly and to attend board meetings at which he could express his views.

“We are pleased with the court’s ruling dismissing Trustee Wilson’s lawsuit and are grateful for the court’s well-reasoned decision,” stated HCC Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. “But we regret that the college has yet again been forced to expend taxpayer funds in defense of another of Trustee Wilson’s baseless lawsuits.”

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