Diyonne McGraw Sued Governor Ron DeSantis
The former school board member alleges her 2021 removal violated her constitutional right to due process.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Administration
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Diyonne McGraw has filed a federal lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis following her 2021 removal from the Alachua County School Board. McGraw contends that the administration infringed upon her right to due process during the proceedings.
Why it matters
This litigation challenges the executive authority used by the Governor to remove local elected officials. The outcome could establish significant legal precedents regarding due process for school board members in Florida.
Diyonne McGraw was removed from her Alachua County School Board seat in 2021 over residency allegations and subsequently lost a re-election bid in 2022. The Governor later appointed Mildred Russell to fill the vacancy created by the removal.
The players
Diyonne McGraw
She is a former member of the Alachua County School Board who was removed from office in 2021.
Ron DeSantis
He is the Governor of Florida who oversaw the appointment of a replacement for the school board vacancy.
Mildred Russell
She was appointed by the Governor to replace the plaintiff on the Alachua County School Board.
The details
McGraw alleges that her removal was procedurally improper and infringed upon her constitutional rights. The complaint highlights the governor's power to intervene in local education administration by replacing sitting board members.
Timeline
Diyonne McGraw was removed from the school board in 2021.
The plaintiff lost a re-election bid in 2022.
The lawsuit was filed on October 6, 2026.
Culture Shift
This case sits at the intersection of local autonomy and the executive branch, testing the Florida Constitution's provisions on executive appointment powers. It reflects a trend of increased state-level intervention in county school board administration.
Residents in Alachua County may see continued debate regarding the legitimacy of school board appointments. The case could influence how local voters perceive the stability of their elected positions and the reach of state oversight.
The takeaway
This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the complex legal tensions between state executive authority and local elected representation. Citizens should remain informed about the procedural rights governing their local school boards.
Further reading
Learn more about local governance in the Florida Administration section.
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