TRENTON, N.J. – A federal judge has issued a mixed ruling in a case brought by a Jackson Township resident who claims she was silenced and removed from multiple public meetings after criticizing township officials.
U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi granted in part and denied in part a motion to dismiss filed by Jackson Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin, who was accused of violating the First Amendment rights of resident Elenor Hannum.
The decision allows portions of Hannum’s civil rights lawsuit to proceed while dismissing other claims. That means her suit against the township officials, including Mayor Jennifer Kuhn will move forward.
The dispute stems from a February 27, 2024, township council meeting in which Hannum spoke against an ordinance creating a Director of Public Safety position.
During her remarks, she alleged that the ordinance was politically motivated and claimed the council president, Jennifer Kuhn, had a personal and financial conflict of interest due to her relationship with police union president Jeff Henba.
When Hannum made those statements, Kuhn turned to McGuckin for guidance.
According to the complaint, McGuckin advised her to declare Hannum “out of order.” Hannum was then removed from the meeting by security. The lawsuit claims this violated her constitutional right to speak during a public forum.
The complaint also details later council meetings in 2025 where Hannum was again interrupted or silenced during public comment periods while other speakers were allowed to continue uninterrupted. Hannum alleged this demonstrated a pattern of selective enforcement of meeting rules intended to stifle her speech.
Judge Quraishi’s ruling found that while McGuckin is shielded from some liability based on his advisory role to the council, Hannum’s claims of potential viewpoint discrimination and retaliation may proceed.
The case will now move forward into discovery against certain defendants as the court examines whether township officials improperly curtailed public participation.
Hannum is seeking $250,000 in damages from the township.
Key points:
• Federal judge grants in part and denies in part motion to dismiss by Jackson Township attorney.
• Resident Elenor Hannum alleges she was silenced for criticizing local officials during public meetings.
• Portions of the free speech and retaliation claims will proceed in federal court.
