LONDON, Ky. — The Jenkins school board and other defendants have responded to a podcaster’s lawsuit by denying any wrongdoing and asking a judge to toss the case out.

Elizabeth Jones is suing district and several individuals affiliated with it, after she received a letter from the board’s attorney banning her from the district’s schools and district-sponsored events. The letter said the reason for the ban was that she had made unspecified social media posts that were considered harassment.

Jones filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the district was retaliating against her for exercising her First Amendment rights and violated her rights to due process.

In the answer, the defendants say the complaint fails to state a valid legal claim and raise multiple defenses, including immunity protections for government officials, lack of jurisdiction for some claims, and failure by the plaintiff to exhaust administrative remedies.

And in a motion to dismiss the case, the board says courts in similar cases have found that “citizens, including parents, do not have a liberty or property interest in accessing school property.”

Jones will have the opportunity to respond before the judge determines whether or not the case proceeds against any or all defendants.