A federal judge has prohibited the Augusta School Department from enforcing a public comment policy which was challenged by a resident.

The judge determined the district’s policy barring “gossip,” abusive,” or “vulgar” language was unconstitutional for being vague and improperly applied.

Nicholas “Corn Pop” Blanchard sued the Augusta School Board over freedom of speech rights after he was blocked from speaking about a school board member and the district’s gender identity policies.

Blanchard was also awarded $17.91 in damages, which is a reference to the 1791 ratification of the first amendment. He will also be allowed to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs under the judgement.

The school department and Blanchard reached a settlement agreement in August after lengthy discussions, but it was only finalized with the judge’s determination.

Blanchard was partly represented in the case by the Institute for Free Speech, which bills itself as promoting free speech, and is most well-known for its opposition to political campaign finance restrictions.