A motion to censure Director Jeremy Glaush over Facebook comments that another board member called disrespectful, misleading and damaging to the district’s reputation, failed 5-2 Monday night in Lehighton Area School District.

The posts in question, submitted by Director Barbara Bowes, included pointed remarks aimed at fellow directors, school board candidates and members of the public.

Using his Facebook page, “LASD School Board Director Jeremy Glaush,” he accused another board member of being a “fake” and a “RINO.”

“I mean, look at her RINO credentials. She abstained from keeping boys out of girls sports. She’s against the Clay Shooting Club. I’m sure there are many more examples. She is a fake,” he wrote.

Bowes, who was frequently targeted in Glaush’s posts, told him at the meeting: “You are an elected official. You can defend yourself if you want, but don’t do it on the Times News page. It’s embarrassing.”

Glaush defended his record and his right to speak freely.

“For the better part of four years, I’ve served on this board,” he said. “First I was appointed, then I was elected. During this time, the board accomplished many great achievements.

“Have I made mistakes? Yes, I can freely admit that there are some things that I would handle differently.”

He said he had been the target of “unending harassment, not only from a few community members but certain members of this board,” and added that some of that carried over to his children.

“When I was sworn in, I do not recall the part of the swearing in that asked me to give up my constitutional First Amendment rights,” Glaush said.

The director explained that he created his Facebook page at the end of his term as board president.

“I could either answer questions posed by the public outside of the boardroom, or let people know the great things the board has done,” he said. “My director page is not run by the district, nor is it a reflection of this board. It is the thoughts and statements of one of nine directors.”

Heather Neff, a fellow LASD board member, urged the group to consider the example they were setting.

“I believe everyone is entitled to voice their own opinions,” she said. “I think this behavior needs to be addressed as a whole, not just in Jeremy. It’s crucial to address the bullying and personal impacts. As public figures, we should all maintain a high standard of respect for everyone, even when we disagree with them.

“Maybe if we start thinking logically and engage in a more professional and respectful manner, we can create a more positive environment for everyone. Kids are looking at this. What example are we setting for our children?”

Director Duane Dellecker, however, cautioned against restricting speech.

“We are supposed to be the ones setting the example for the kids,” he said, “but we also have to worry about the Constitution. The First Amendment is not there to prohibit someone from speaking their mind. I think people have the right to defend themselves. This is why I choose to stay away from social media. I think it just dumbs everybody down.”

Director Sean Gleaves said while he disagreed with the way Glaush worded some things, he viewed a censure as unwarranted.

“I think this is rooted in political theater,” he said. “I think as elected officials, we should have professionalism in the public setting. But I agree with your constitutional rights. That is the beautiful part about freedom of speech.”

Bowes agreed that a censure would be little more than a warning.

“I brought this forward because I want you to stop doing this crap,” she told Glaush.

Bowes and Neff were the lone votes in favor of the censure