Court revives lawsuit by Michigan prison employee

LAPEER (AP) -- A federal court has reinstated a lawsuit by a Michigan prison employee who says she was illegally reassigned after telling lawmakers that officials were coddling inmates, partly by allowing rap contests. Ruth Mosholder says her free-speech rights were violated. The appeals court has sent the lawsuit back to a Detroit federal judge, saying the letter raised concerns "about matters of public importance." In 2008, Mosholder was a school officer at the state prison in Lapeer. She wrote a letter to lawmakers, complaining about prison-sponsored rap contests. Mosholder said there were gang signs, sagging pants and other dress code violations. She said the prison lacked overall discipline. Mosholder sued after she was turned into a general prison officer and required to work weekends and holidays. She says it was retaliation. Published: Wed, May 23, 2012