schools
Federal lawsuit challenges Fort Worth ISD decision to revoke principal promotion
By Maria Guerrero and Meredith Yeomans at NBC DFW
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
A federal lawsuit filed by the Council on American Islamic Relations alleges Fort Worth ISD violated the constitutional rights of an educator whose promotion to principal of Western Hills High School was later withdrawn. The lawsuit centers on Shayma Alzubi, a longtime educator who was briefly promo
Key takeaway " "That's what this hysteria is about, in part, her participation in a Chili's coloring contest 15 years," the attorney said.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The federal lawsuit against Fort Worth ISD has significant implications for the district's handling of employee social media activity and its impact on religious identity and free speech. As the fifth-largest city in Texas, Fort Worth's school district is a major employer and educator of the local population, making this case a concern for the broader community. The fact that the district is currently overseen by the Texas Education Agency adds another layer of complexity, raising questions about the state's role in shaping local education policies. The Cultural District, home to several museums and performance venues, and nearby Texas Christian University, may also be watching this case closely, as it touches on issues of diversity, inclusion, and academic freedom. As the lawsuit moves forward, Fort Worth residents will be paying close attention to how the district responds and what message it sends to students, staff, and the community about the importance of respecting employees' constitutional rights.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A federal lawsuit filed by the Council on American Islamic Relations alleges Fort Worth ISD violated the constitutional rights of an educator whose promotion to principal of Western Hills High School was later withdrawn. The lawsuit centers on Shayma Alzubi, a longtime educator who was briefly promo
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Maria Guerrero and Meredith Yeomans at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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