ORANGE

In a recent letter to the Orange Unified School District, John Rossmann, president of Orange Unified Education Assn., disputed the district’s charges that he committed libel and undeservedly threatened public figures with criminal prosecution. “Had prudent inquiry been conducted, OUSD would have discovered the substantial documentation that refutes the charge,” he said in the letter to district counsel.

Further, Rossmann’s lawyer, Paul Crost, said Rossmann’s statements are protected under the 1st Amendment because the school board is considered a “public figure.” The Public Employment Relations Board will consider the merits of OUSD’s charges.