The Autauga-Prattville library board has settled with its former library director after a public battle following his termination and a subsequent lawsuit.
In March, the board voted to terminate then-library director Andrew Foster for "revealing confidential information in violation of criminal law."
The confidential information Foster was accused of sharing involved a public records request filed with the library by the far-left website Alabama Political Reporter (APR). APR reporter Jacob Holmes then used the information in an article highlighting perceived ambiguity and confusion with the new board's policies involving "weeding," removing or relocating books.
The story contained information between board members and attorney Laura Clark, which Clark contends is privileged attorney/client information. Additionally, board chairman Ray Boles claimed Foster recorded executive sessions, which he claims violated Alabama's Open Meetings Act (OMA) law.
In response, Foster's attorney sent the board a letter demanding his reinstatement as director, restoration of library privileges and a "name-clearing hearing." Foster's attorney later filed a suit with the Autauga County Circuit Court against the library board, alleging five violations of the state's Open Meetings Act (OMA).
In the suit, Foster's attorney requested the recovery of costs, an order invalidating the board's actions during the allegedly illegal meetings, an injunction restoring his employment, and a civil penalty of $1,000 against the board for each count.
On Thursday, the Autauga-Prattville Public Library and former library director Andrew Foster jointly released the following statement concerning the settlement of Foster’s claims against the board:
"Andrew Foster and the Autauga-Prattville Public Library Board of Trustees have reached a final settlement agreement under which Mr. Foster will not be reinstated; Mr. Foster releases all claims against the Board, its members, and its counsel, and, in lieu of a name-clearing hearing, the Board states that Mr. Foster was not terminated for a violation of criminal or ethics laws as later reported in press accounts, but for other stated reasons. Under the agreement, all parties deny any wrongdoing.”
Representatives for the board stated they could not legally disclose any financial component to the settlement, if any.
The board is also involved in a recently filed federal lawsuit surrounding policies regarding sexually explicit children’s books.
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