Attorneys for Mesa Public Schools Governing Board member Sharon Benson and parents’ rights activist Chris Hamlet scored wins this month when a case against them for defamation was dismissed.
America First Legal (AFL) secured the victory for Benson, who was sued for defamation after speaking out against what they say was “gender ideology indoctrination” in a third-grade classroom.
Benson raised concerns about a teacher, Tami Staas, who allegedly appeared on a podcast discussing how she promoted LGBT ideology in her third-grade classroom, including “creating a safe classroom environment for … LGBTQ students,” teaching students about pronoun usage, and displaying LGBT flags. Benson reposted several blog posts about the teacher on social media and expressed her concerns to the Mesa Public Schools Board.
Stass sued Benson, Hamlet, and two school bloggers for defamation, claiming that their baseless criticisms had caused “emotional distress, pain and suffering,” and harm.
Notably, argues AFL, “the lawsuit was filed while Benson was a candidate for the school board, raising concerns that the legal action was a targeted, politically motivated effort to silence her public opposition to gender ideology indoctrination. Notwithstanding this litigation, Benson went on to win her race.”
AFL moved to dismiss Stass’ claims against Benson, arguing that they were baseless. The court agreed, finding that “none of [Benson’s] alleged statements could be found defamatory.”
In the case against Hamlet, the Court found that he cannot be liable for reposting articles by the bloggers.
Yes!! Please consider a donation to help @redwildcat from @nopinkschool.
While the case is dismissed for @benson4mpsboard and myself, Peggy has to move forward to trial.
She could use your help👇👇👇https://t.co/vGaGbPNpCN https://t.co/YU97caUFDv
— Chris Hamlet (@ChrisHamletAZ) August 15, 2025
According to the Arizona Mirror, Staas became the “focus of a campaign by owners and authors of far-right websites” “because of her dual role as not only a teacher in the Mesa Unified School District, but also because she leads the Arizona Trans Youth Parent Organization, a local community group aimed at offering support and resources to parents of transgender children.”
AFL argues that the lawsuit “is part of a troubling nationwide trend in which ideological activists seek to control public debate by silencing their opponents through defamation suits. AFL was proud to represent Ms. Benson, and remains committed to defending free speech and protecting every American’s right to speak out on critical issues without fear of baseless, punitive litigation.”
“This victory sends an unmistakable message: America First Legal will never back down in the face of intimidation by radical activists,” said James Rogers, Senior Counsel at America First Legal. “We are steadfast in defending parents, community leaders, and courageous citizens from those who seek to silence them for telling the truth. We will continue fighting to stop the trans agenda from trampling on free speech or controlling our schools.”
Imagine suing someone for saying you said what you said. Does this mean Staas disavowed what she said? For sure, someone like that does not need to be anywhere near children.
Benson went on to win her race. Congratulations ! GREAT WIN! Thanks to all involved