Nine current and former students of Lawrence Public Schools (USD 497) have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that the district’s use of the AI-based monitoring tool Gaggle violates their First and Fourth Amendment rights. They claim the system—purchased in August 2023 for over $160,000—flagged innocuous phrases, intercepted journalism drafts and artwork, and blocked mental-health messages, even for student journalists who were supposed to be exempt. The students argue this constituted overly broad surveillance that hindered free expression and access to vital support, and they are seeking injunctive relief, damages, and a jury trial.