Like many other parents, Hernden disagreed with the district's COVID-19 policies and spoke out at school board meetings. At one point, she accused the board of making politically motivated decisions that were not in the best interest of the students. In response, one board member wrote to Hernden's then-supervisor at the Harper Woods Police Department. The member accused her of "veiled racism" and of behavior that was unbecoming of a police officer. Hernden was then subjected to an internal investigation, but her employer determined she had not violated any department rules.

The problems continued after the school board began restricting Hernden's speech by interrupting her at meetings and prohibiting her from sharing her opinion. In response, she cautioned the board that their actions may be illegal.

Things quickly escalated after U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum about investigating parents who attend school board meetings. One day after the memorandum was issued, the president of the Chippewa Valley School Board admitted reporting Hernden to the Department of Justice.

Until such time as parents can homeschool and be made exempt from school taxes for doing so, this problem will continue. Only by depriving the public school system of students and revenue can you cause an impact.