Katrina Burlet v. John Baldwin — 7th Cir. (Oct 28, 2026)
The Seventh Circuit considers whether Illinois prison officials retaliated against a volunteer debate coach for protected speech. Katrina Burlet taught at Stateville, where her students debated parole reform before legislators in March 2018. The next month, officials ended her program and barred her from state prisons. Burlet says they wanted to silence that advocacy; the officials cite security and her handling of the program. The district court ruled for the officials without a trial, and Burlet is appealing. Two Supreme Court precedents help explain the argument. Turner asks whether prison restrictions bear a reasonable connection to legitimate prison-management goals. Garcetti distinguishes a public employee's official-duty speech from speech as a citizen. Whether and how those rules apply to this volunteer—and whether the officials' stated reasons conceal retaliation—are disputed here. Brian O'Connor will argue for Burlet; Carson Griffis will defend the officials.
Katrina Burlet v. John Baldwin (No. 25-1501) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued October 28, 2026.
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