Norwin School District is no longer a defendant in a federal lawsuit stemming from a dispute between a former board president and a current board member.

Both Brian Carlton of North Huntingdon, who lost his bid for reelection to the school board in November 2021, and his wife Margaret Carlton, who is a teacher in the Norwin, have withdrawn their complaints against the district in the lawsuit they filed in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh on March 21, according to court documents.

The district was named in the seven-count lawsuit filed by the Carltons against Norwin, school director Robert Wayman of Irwin and the Westmoreland County Republican Committee, alleging they were libeled, suffered emotional distress and had their First Amendment rights violated.

The Carltons also withdrew their complaints of libel filed against the county Republican committee. Margaret Carlton withdrew her initial complaint that Wayman violated her First Amendment rights and Brian Carlton also withdrew his claim that Wayman intentionally inflicted emotional distress, according to documents filed July 26.

In the lawsuit, the Carltons alleged the retaliation came after a 2020 meeting where Carlton asked the board to request Wayman’s resignation over comments he made on a private social media account, including “Gold Star of David coming to the mask wearers sooner than they realize,” and that “Trump needs eight more years .. If need be, one can have armed combat to make it happen.”

Brian Carlton, who lost his bid for reelection, declined to comment.

The Carltons’ attorney, Elizabeth Tuttle, said they decided to withdraw the claims against the school district, but will proceed with Brian Carlton’s complaints against the county Republican committee and Wayman.

Russell Lucas, attorney for Norwin School District, could not be reached for comment.

The district in June filed a motion to dismiss the suit, alleging the Carltons failed to state a case for their claims against Norwin.

Wayman also filed a motion in June to dismiss all claims against him on the grounds that the couple had failed to state a case. The judge has not ruled on Wayman’s motion.

“The claims against Wayman are meritless and we expect our motion (to dismiss) will be granted,” said Pittsburgh attorney Gregory H Teufel, who represents Wayman.

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