Myk Reid Legal Defense Fund

Recently our friend, Michael "Myk" Reid, was arrested while attempting to peacefully protest a controversial school dress code decision by the Albemarle County School Board (ACSB). The ACSB was being asked, by a group of parents, to ban racist imagery (swastikas, confederate flags, etc.) from Albemarle County Public Schools. 

The ACSB was in the process of creating policy on the types of student clothing deemed offensive and Myk felt it was his civic and parental duty to be present and share perspective on the subject. While the ACSB did allow public access to the meeting, they refused to allow public comment, thereby denying Myk and others the opportunity to share their opinions and perspective on the decisions about to be made. It was outside the closed doors of this meeting that Myk and others had gathered to support their cause.

As a teacher's assistant, youth soccer coach and father of twin 8-year-old girls, Myk has a unique understanding of the serious issues facing our children today and was hoping to share that perspective with the school board. Unfortunately, in an effort to silence public opinion on the subject, the ACSB called in the police to disperse the peaceful gathering and what started as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into chaos resulting in multiple arrests. 

While Myk was originally charged with simple trespassing (a misdemeanor), weeks later, assaulting a police officer (a felony charge) was added. 

Sadly, there are political forces in play here, as well.  Commonwealth Attorney, Robert Tracci, who is up for re-election and prosecuting the case, has apparently decided to make an example of Myk and is aggressively pursuing the case despite its peaceful and well intentioned beginnings. 

 SO.... we need your help! Myk is being represented by a team of lawyers who agreed to take his misdemeanor case on a pro bono basis. When Myk was indicted for the felony charge, we realized that the costs and expenses related to his representation would grow exponentially. Moreover, Myk has been placed on administrative leave from his job with the Charlottesville City Schools and will likely lose his position if convicted. Please consider contributing what you can to Myk’s defense fund and help him to return safely to his family, his job and the arms of his community which so badly needs men of his character and conviction. 

Thank you!