Stevon Anzaldua was a full-time paramedic and firefighter. The Fire District suspended Anzaldua for allegedly failing to respond to a directive issued by the Chief. Shortly thereafter, Anzaldua emailed a newspaper reporter expressing concerns about the Fire District and about the Chief, in particular. Many of Anzaldua’s co-workers were reportedly “shocked” and “angered” by the email. Two battalion chiefs noted that the communication “fostered division between Anzaldua and his co-workers, and between the District firefighters and [Chief].” As a result, the Fire District terminated Anzaldua. Anzaldua brought an action, alleging that the Fire District and the individuals involved in his termination violated his First Amendment right to free speech by retaliating against him for emailing the reporter. Anzaldua also alleged that the Chief violated federal and state computer privacy laws by accessing his email account and obtaining his emails. Will Anzaldua’s claim be successful?
