Buchanan County Judge says she needs additional time to review arguments before making decision in SJSD lawsuit

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Judge Kate Schaefer said she needed more time to review arguments before deciding to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the St. Joseph School District.

After the St. Joseph School District filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought by the local group “We The People- 3 Schools, Inc.,” a hearing was scheduled for Thursday, June 4. 

The hearing comes after Circuit Court Judge Kate Schaefer denied the group’s request for a preliminary injunction on Friday, May 29. 

Because Judge Schaefer received the plaintiffs’ response on the matter on short notice, she said she needs additional time to review the arguments before making a decision. 

During the hearing, the defendant (SJSD) requested that the lawsuit be dismissed, arguing that the plaintiffs lacked standing and that the organization involved included individuals who were not proper members of the nonprofit corporation, “We the People- 3 Schools, Inc.” 

In response, the plaintiff argued that a group of people with a common objective has the right to come together to challenge actions they believe the government has taken improperly.

The plaintiff also opposed the defendant’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.  

Following Thursday's results, Judge Schaefer scheduled another hearing for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, to address the status of the case and set a potential trial date.