Wisconsin educator files federal lawsuit alleging anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy

Jeffrey Peterson, a former Wisconsin educator and former Principal of the Year, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging he was targeted and terminated from the Raymond School District due to his sexual orientation.

The amended complaint alleges a conspiracy involving Raymond School Board members Gwen Keller and Janell Wise, who are affiliated with the activist group Moms for Liberty. Peterson claims the board and a network of anti-LGBTQ+ operatives fabricated a paper trail of false accusations to justify his removal. These allegations included claims that Peterson was “grooming” or “sexualizing” students.

The lawsuit further alleges that interim superintendent Michael Garvey issued a negative performance review shortly after his appointment, marking the first poor review in Peterson’s 30-year career. Additionally, the suit claims an activist, Arthur Binhack, distributed edited personnel files and used social media to spread false claims about Peterson to the community. Peterson, who had been in a long-term relationship for decades, asserts that the discrimination began after he inquired about insurance benefits for his partner.