TiZA charter school in Inver Grove Heights countersues state's ACLU chapter, claims defamation
TiZA countersuit claims defamation

by Megan Boldt
Pioneer Press
July 29, 2009

http://www.legal-project.org/424/tiza-charter-school-in-inver-grove-heights

Excerpt:

Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy claims the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota has defamed the Inver Grove Heights charter school and is trying to damage its relationships with parents and prospective employees.

In a countersuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, lawyers for TiZA argue the ACLU has made maliciously false and defamatory statements that have injured "the good name of TiZA" and its reputation.

The statements also have sparked threats of violence against TiZA staff members, the suit contends.

TiZA's suit is in response to an ACLU lawsuit filed in January, which argues the school violates the First Amendment by sharing space with the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, promoting prayer in school and endorsing Muslim clothing rules and dietary practices.

"The ACLU's claims are meritless, as TiZA has followed state and federal regulations," said TiZA legal counsel Erick Kaardal. "TiZA hopes the court will prevent the ACLU from inflicting further interference and defamation with a permanent injunction."

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