Barnstable educator allegedly fired over Facebook posts sues district

A former Barnstable associate principal is suing the school district after, he says, he was fired over multiple Facebook posts, alleging that his right to free speech was violated.

John Bergonzi left a teaching position in Brockton to accept a job as an associate principal at Barnstable High School beginning in the fall of 2024, according to the lawsuit. He was terminated a few months later; the superintendent allegedly told him he was fired “because his Facebook posts did not reflect the values of Barnstable Public Schools,” the lawsuit says.

Judicial Watch, a conservative education foundation, filed the lawsuit on behalf of Bergonzi in federal district court in Boston last week. The former associate principal is alleging the district retaliated against him for protected speech and breached his contract, breaking a reasonable promise of employment. 

“Public schools do not get to silence employees simply because they express opinions that administrators dislike,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said. “This lawsuit seeks to hold Barnstable Public Schools accountable for violating the First Amendment and for reneging on promises that cost our client his tenured career.”

Bergonzi was told “clearly and unambiguously” during the interview process he would not be offered a job unless and until the district reviewed his social media activity, according to the lawsuit. All of the posts were shared before he applied to the role, and “all seven posts also addressed issues of public concerns,” the lawsuit said.

A spokesperson for the district said BPS does not comment on personnel matters or ongoing litigation.

Bergonzi is seeking damages related to his termination to be determined at the trial, the complaint says.

What did the Facebook posts say?

Bergonzi was offered the job in September, “reasonably believing that Barnstable Public Schools had reviewed his social media activity, including his Facebook page, and had no issues or concerns,” the lawsuit says. He began working Oct. 7, 2024.

However, he was placed on paid administrative leave Nov. 20, 2024 after an anonymous “concerned colleague” reported his Facebook “memes and posts” to the administration. 

In a meeting a few weeks later, Bergonzi was shown seven Facebook posts, some of which had been identified by the anonymous colleague and others identified by Superintendent Sara Ahern.

“I know I’m posting a lot on illegal immigration, but you know the ridiculously small percent of American people are aware of the crisis at the border?” he posted with what appeared to be a video of Sen. Josh Hawley.

Another “meme” shows the Statue of Liberty with text that says “Where does it say bring me hostile, free loading a—holes, waving their own flags?”

Another post just says “SMH,” short for “shaking my head,” along with a link to an article about Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defending an “electeds of color” holiday party invitation.

Bergonzi reshared an image that says “If a fence around the capital seems like a good idea but not on the US border you’re a special kind of stupid.”

He also posted “Seriously?!?!!” to an Instagram post about Massachusetts officials asking residents to consider hosting newly arrived families in need of shelter for a few days.

Bergonzi’s account was never associated with the district, according to court docs, and the administration confirmed the posts “had not caused any disturbance.” He was fired on Dec. 10, 2024.

During the meetings about the Facebook posts, the complaint says that district administration did not bring up any performance concerns about his work. 

“Other than the single email from the individual whose identity was withheld from (Bergonzi,” the lawsuit said, neither administrator “identified any parent, student, co-worker, or member of the public who raised any concerns about Plaintiff’s posts, his social media activity, or his fitness to serve as an associate principal.”

Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.