Defendants Protected in Criticism of Coach, which Led to Firing

In a case of first impression, an Illinois appellate court has affirmed a trial court ruling that citizens have extensive latitude when it comes to pushing a school board for the dismissal of high school coach.   Specifically, it agreed with the lower court that the defendants had immunity under the Citizen Participation Act (the “Act”), 735 ILCS 110/1 et seq. (2008).   Steve Sandholm was hired as a teacher and head basketball coach at Dixon High School for the 1999-2000 school yea