‘First Amendment Auditor’ in costume sparks alarm with visit to local elementary school

A so-called “First Amendment Auditor” caused alarm and disruption at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School in the Lake Washington School District this week, according to a statement from Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen.

But the activist said that’s not quite what happened.

The man, who goes by “James Madison,” entered the elementary school after classes ended, prompting “concern and disruption,” the district said in a March 28 email to families and staff. He said he was visiting to submit a public records request and check up on claims that the school was mismanaging equipment and having issues with the property, including a problem with the sewage system.

One staff member seemed alarmed when the man approached the front entrance to the school, and did not let him in. He was filming with a camera on his chest while wearing a wig that came with long hair, a long moustache and a full beard covering his face. He also had on thick ski goggles.

The school’s principal “monitored and responded to the situation,” according to the email.

What was the cause for concern?

According to the district, the activist has visited the district office three times over the past seven months.

Officials said he has “recorded staff, attempted to record computer monitors, and asked staff to verbally interact with him.” They also confirmed he was previously seen on an elementary school campus after hours when no one was present.

The district labeled his actions as consistent with those of “First Amendment Auditors,” individuals who film in public spaces to “test, assert and document their constitutional rights.”

In response, the district said it’s taking several steps, including working with law enforcement to bar the individual from all district campuses, and updating school protocols on handling unauthorized visitors. The school called King County Sheriff’s deputies during the last incident, but they did not issue a citation to the man, noting he had the right to record on public property.

‘James Madison’ responds

The activist operates a YouTube channel called “Auditing Liberty.” A site description says, “We expose Karens, hypocrisy, and those looking to stifle our freedoms and actively hurt others.”

In a recent video, the activist responded to the district letter, saying he didn’t do anything illegal, so he’s not sure how he could be considered a trespasser.

“There was not a single thing listed [by the district] that was illegal, that was threatening, including recording people, that is not a threat,” he said. “‘Oh my gosh, don’t get me on your camera.’ There’s nothing violent, threatening, or even intimidating. There’s nothing at all. There’s no apparent risk to a single person, child, or dog.”

He said he was on campus to file a public records request and noted that he had a First Amendment right to record and be on property after school hours.

“It’s a very stupid email,” he said.

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