In a significant legal battle that could set precedents for public participation in local governance, a resident of Donaldsonville has taken the city to court over alleged violations of her First Amendment rights. Shentelle Daigle filed a complaint against the City of Donaldsonville on December 4, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. The lawsuit accuses the city and its council members of implementing policies that restrict free speech and transparency during public meetings.
The plaintiff, Shentelle Daigle, is a well-known community activist and small business owner in Donaldsonville. She has been actively involved in local politics, attending city council meetings regularly and often recording them to share with her followers on social media. Her efforts to promote transparency have allegedly been met with resistance from city officials. According to the complaint, Daigle was told not to record meetings and was subjected to an arbitrary notice requirement under threat of criminal prosecution.
Daigle’s lawsuit highlights several incidents that illustrate what she claims are retaliatory actions by the city council. On May 19, 2025, she recorded an altercation between Councilman Clem Brown and former mayoral candidate Glen Price at a council meeting. Following this incident, an ordinance was introduced requiring individuals who wish to record meetings to give prior notice and adhere to strict conditions about where they can stand and how they can publish recordings. The ordinance was adopted on June 24, 2025.
The complaint argues that these restrictions are unconstitutional as they impose prior restraint on speech and are overly broad and vague. It also alleges that the city’s actions constitute abuse of process and retaliation against Daigle for exercising her First Amendment rights. Additionally, it claims violations of Louisiana Open Meetings Law due to inconsistent record-keeping and lack of transparency regarding meeting minutes.
Daigle seeks declaratory relief stating that the Recording Ordinance violates constitutional rights both facially and as applied. She also requests injunctive relief prohibiting enforcement of these policies, along with nominal damages and civil penalties for violations of state law. Furthermore, she demands adequate training for city council members on First Amendment rights and open meetings obligations.
Representing Daigle are attorneys Bruce Hamilton and Annie Cleveland from New Orleans. The case is being overseen by Judge Shelly D. Dick (SDD) with Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes (EWD). The case ID is 3:25-cv-01088-SDD-EWD.
Source: 325cv01088_Shentelle_Daigle_v_City_of_Donaldsonville_Complaint_Middle_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
