Ball State settles free-speech dispute over employee's Charlie Kirk post for $225,000
TL;DR
An ACLU-backed lawsuit over Suzanne Swierc's firing from Ball State University after a private Facebook post criticizing Charlie Kirk has been settled for $225,000. The ACLU says the firing violated her First Amendment rights as she spoke as a private citizen on a matter of public concern, while Ball State argues the post caused significant campus disruption and risk to enrollment and donations. The settlement resolves the federal suit without a trial and underscores ongoing debates over free speech on social media by government employers.
- Woman fired from Indiana university over Charlie Kirk post wins $225,000 settlement The Guardian
- Fired Ball State administrator will receive $225K after Facebook post on Charlie Kirk's assassination WTHR
- Ball State pays ex-employee $225K over Charlie Kirk post Fox 59
- ACLU of Indiana Reaches Settlement in First Amendment Lawsuit Against Ball State University President ACLU of Indiana
- People Punished For Criticizing Charlie Kirk After Shooting Have Won More Than $2 Million In Lawsuits Forbes
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