LOUISIANA – Attorney Kamal Packer is challenging a 10-year protective order obtained against Dr. Matthews by Louisiana teacher Allison Edwards, who filed for the order after Dr. Matthews filed a complaint asking Edwards’ school district to investigate her social media activity.

On July 10, Dr. Matthews publicly disclosed that she had filed a formal complaint with the Plaquemines Parish School District concerning Edwards, a math teacher at Belle Chasse Middle School.

Dr. Matthews alleged Edwards commented on and amplified a Facebook post by Aubrey Taylor containing statements about Dr. Matthews, her late husband and her family that Dr. Matthews characterized as false and defamatory.

The Plaquemines Parish School District confirmed it received the complaint and said the concerns would be reviewed and investigated under district policies and procedures.

Edwards filed a Petition for Protection from Stalking against Dr. Matthews on July 10. The court issued a temporary restraining order that same day and scheduled a hearing for July 23. Dr. Matthews did not appear, and a 10-year protective order was obtained by default against her. She was never served.

Packer is now challenging the order, arguing the hearing occurred too soon. Because Dr. Matthews lives in Texas, Packer argues Louisiana law required 30 days to pass after proof of long-arm service was filed with the court before the hearing could take place. According to the filing, the service affidavit and hearing were both dated July 23.

The court order contains language directing that the protective order against Dr. Matthews be expunged from the Louisiana Protective Order Registry. A hearing on the motion has also been approved for Sept. 17 at 9:30 a.m.

The protective order was originally set to remain in effect through July 23, 2036.