Balch Springs Board Member Fights Removal After Criticizing Social Media Policy

Removal from Balch Springs City Boards

• 🎯 Jessica Reaka, a Balch Springs resident and conservation biologist, was removed from the city's parks and wreck advisory board and the flood and drain committee.
• 🗣️ Reaka claims her removal violates her First Amendment rights after she spoke openly about a new social media policy and other city issues.
• 🏛️ The new policy addresses board and commissioner social media conduct, stating that any postings that could harm the city's reputation can result in removal.

Concerns Over Policy and Removal

• ⚖️ Reaka believes the city council targeted her for demanding accountability and is trying to silence her voice.
• ⚠️ Council members who voted for her removal cited concerns about cyberbullying and harassing text messages, which Reaka denies knowledge of.
• 📉 Councilman Londelle Vincent Gabriel, who voted against Reaka's removal, stated that her absence weakens the board and puts the city out of compliance with state requirements.

Future Legal Action and Defense

• ✊ Reaka is determined to fight for her positions, even if it means pursuing legal action.
• 💬 She emphasizes that board and committee members represent the people and their voices should not be feared.
• 📢 Balch Springs Council member Tartia Hill, who voted to remove Reaka, stated that anyone speaking negatively about the city should not serve on a board.