A handful of former state employees are fighting Gov. Mike Dunleavyâs administration saying they lost their jobs because they refused to relinquish their free speech rights to an intolerant leader. The state has agreed to pay an $85,000 settlement to one of them.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska announced this week that Keren Lowell, who was barred from her job at the Alaska State Council on the Arts after speaking out publicly in opposition to Dunleavyâs policies, will receive $85,000 for lost wages and other damages pending legislative approval.
Under the Apr. 8 agreement, signed by Solicitor General Janell Hafner, the state admits to no wrongdoing.