press releases Archives - Liberty Justice Center

New Lawsuit: Albuquerque vote to give taxpayer funds to Planned Parenthood violates New Mexico Constitution

To schedule an interview, contact Chloe Edwards at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. (January 18, 2023) —Paul Gessing, a property owner and taxpayer advocate in the City of Albuquerque, and Care Net Pregnancy Center of Albuquerque have filed a lawsuit challenging an unconstitutional gift of taxpayer funds...

Tennessee judges reject lawsuit challenging scholarship funds for low income families

To schedule an interview, contact 773-809-4403 or [email protected] NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 28, 2022) – Last week, a Tennessee state three-judge panel issued a final order rejecting efforts by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County and Shelby County to block a scholarship program for students...

Fifth Circuit strikes down federal takeover of the horse racing industry hidden in massive COVID relief bill

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit struck down the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) in response to a lawsuit brought by thoroughbred horse owners and trainers.

New evidence proves Biden administration pressured Facebook and Twitter to censor Americans

Author and data analyst Justin Hart filed new evidence in his federal lawsuit against Facebook, Twitter, and U.S. President Joe Biden documenting collusion between social media companies and the federal government to silence Americans.

Judge orders suspension of two Illinois laws limiting judicial campaign contributions

With three weeks until the election, a federal judge in Illinois has blocked two laws restricting contributions in judicial campaigns. The laws restrict contributions only in judicial campaigns by prohibiting out-of-state donations to candidates and placing arbitrary limits on contributions to independent expenditure committees.

Doctors File Federal Lawsuit to Stop California Medical Censorship Law

New law violates free speech and threatens doctors with license revocation for sharing medical advice contrary to public health “consensus” To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. LOS ANGELES (Oct. 4, 2022) — Two doctors have filed the first federal lawsuit to stop a...

Federal judge strikes down federal school mask and vaccine mandate

A Virginia preschool teacher is suing the federal government to keep her job and block a federal vaccine mandate for federally funded preschool programs.

New York voters sue to stop massive expansion of absentee voting

Voters from across the state of New York and a county party committee have sued to stop a state law that allows near universal access to absentee voting.

Albuquerque taxpayers threaten lawsuit over City Council’s illegal donation to Planned Parenthood

$250,000 donation violates New Mexico State Constitution To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403 ALBUQUERQUE (Aug. 12, 2022) – Today, Albuquerque taxpayers are demanding that the City Council of Albuquerque’s donation to Planned Parenthood be canceled or returned because it violates...

Independent schools ask to join Mississippi court case to defend COVID relief grants for school improvements

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. JACKSON, Miss. (Aug. 12, 2022) – An association representing 125 schools and 45,000 students in Mississippi is urging a state judge to allow federal COVID-19 relief funds to reach the independent schools they were meant for....

Tennessee court denies effort to stop scholarships for low-income students

Over 2,000 low-income families now have immediate access to schools that best fit their students’ needs To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. NASHVILLE (August 5, 2022) – Today, a Tennessee state trial court denied efforts to block a scholarship program for students...

Lawsuit challenges campaign contribution limits to judicial races in Illinois

Federal lawsuit says new restrictions banning out-of-state contributions violate free speech

Liberty Justice Center applauds Supreme Court decision protecting school choice and freedom of religion

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that expands access to educational choices for families and ends government discrimination against faith-based schools.

Tennessee illegally closes state judges’ meetings to public and press

A Tennessee state judiciary official faces a federal lawsuit for violating the First Amendment by shutting the press and the public out of a state judges’ conference.

Liberty Justice Center and Illinois Policy Institute: Statement on Amendment 1 hearing

A lawsuit challenging a proposed state constitutional amendment on the November general election ballot saw its first hurdle.

Corey DeAngelis joins Liberty Justice Center board of directors

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. CHICAGO (May 25, 2022) — The Liberty Justice Center announced today that Corey DeAngelis has joined the organization’s board of directors. Corey is a nationally recognized academic and advocate in education policy. In his role as...

Tennessee Supreme Court victory for low-income families

Today the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that a scholarship program for children from low-income families is constitutional and may go into effect.

Chicago teachers, parents challenge ballot amendment in court

Chicago Public Schools teachers and parents joined together to file a petition to challenge an Illinois constitutional amendment on the ballot that contradicts federal law governing labor relations and violates the U.S. Constitution.

Alaska state officials face federal lawsuit over new requirements that violate free speech, privacy rights

Two citizen advocacy groups and four Alaskans filed a federal lawsuit, Smith v. Helzer, to stop Ballot Measure 2, which has the most anti-privacy election laws in the country.

Federal judge issues ruling in challenge to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act

U.S. District Court Judge James Wesley Hendrix issued a ruling in National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association v. Black.

Liberty Justice Center welcomes Jacob Huebert as President

CHICAGO (March 1, 2022) — The Liberty Justice Center announced today that Jacob Huebert will join the Liberty Justice Center as President effective March 1. Jacob previously served as the Liberty Justice Center’s Director of Litigation. In that role, he successfully litigated cases to protect...

Virginia teacher sues to stop federal vaccine mandate

A Virginia preschool teacher is suing the federal government to keep her job and block a federal vaccine mandate for federally funded preschool programs.

Residents sue to end Chicago, Cook County proof of vaccination orders

Liberty Justice Center has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Chicago and Cook County to end their illegal and discriminatory “proof of vaccination” requirements.

U.S. Supreme Court blocks federal vaccine mandate

Louisiana grocery store owner Brandon Trosclair has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the federal government’s vaccine mandate on private businesses.

Parents sue to end illegal Chicago Teachers Union strike

A group of Chicago parents have filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Teachers Union, calling this week’s school closures an “illegal strike” and demanding that teachers return to school for in-person learning.

Teachers sue to stop Head Start vaccine and mask mandate

Two Head Start teachers, Sandy Brick of Louisiana and Jessica Trenn of Ohio, filed a federal lawsuit to stop a new vaccine and mask mandate.

Louisiana Business Owner Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Block Biden Vaccine Mandate

Louisiana grocery store owner Brandon Trosclair has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the federal government’s vaccine mandate on private businesses.

Family-Owned, Wisconsin Meat Shop Sues Biden Administration Over Illegal, Federal Mask “Mandate”

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. Nolechek’s Meats is suing the Biden Administration after a federal agency threatened to withhold the “USDA Mark of Inspection” on its meat products because its Wisconsin-based facility is mask-optional for employees THORP, Wis. (Dec. 2, 2021)...

Biden OSHA vaccine mandate case belongs in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

November 2021

On Nov. 23, 2021, attorneys for a Louisiana business owner and Texas workers filed a Motion to Transfer the legal challenge to stop the Biden Administration’s illegal vaccine mandate back to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Louisiana business owner, Brandon Trosclair...

Fifth Circuit Orders Federal Government to Halt Implementation of OSHA Vaccine Mandate

The federal government has been ordered to halt all implementation and enforcement of its COVID vaccine and testing mandate following the request by petitioner and Louisiana business owner Brandon Trosclair and a group of employees from Texas who sued over the mandate last week.

Federal Court Suspends Federal Vaccine Mandate

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. Brandon Trosclair, Louisiana business owner, filed his lawsuit with attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center and Pelican Institute to stop vaccine mandate – mandate now on hold for all Americans NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 6, 2021) — Louisiana business...

Louisiana business owner and remote workers from Texas sue to halt OSHA vaccine mandate

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 5, 2021) — A prominent Louisiana business owner and a group of remote workers from Texas have filed a federal lawsuit to strike down the Biden Administration’s illegal vaccine mandate on private sector employees....

Media Availability: Liberty Justice Center to Challenge Federal Vaccine Mandate

A prominent Louisiana business owner plans to file a federal lawsuit to strike down the Biden Administration’s illegal vaccine mandate on private sector employees.

56 Riverside Healthcare employees ask to join lawsuit to stop firings over COVID vaccine mandate

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. KANKAKEE, Ill. (Oct. 28, 2021) — On Monday, Oct. 25, Judge Nancy Nicholson halted Riverside Healthcare’s plans to fire a group of nurses for their conscience-based objection to vaccination. Now, on the heels of this important victory,...

Judge grants temporary restraining order in vaccine mandate case; Riverside nurses can’t be fired for refusing COVID vaccine

A group of nurses for Riverside Healthcare won an important victory today after a Kankakee County judge said their hospital system cannot fire them yet for refusing to get the COVID vaccine. The nurses were facing termination on Oct. 31 until today’s action by Judge...

Riverside nurses challenge blanket denial of conscience exemptions from vaccine mandate in new lawsuit

Six nurses employed by Riverside Healthcare in Kankakee are fighting for their jobs after being told they would be fired for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

UMass law professor sues to end Massachusetts law giving unions ‘exclusive representation’

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth law professor Richard Peltz-Steele filed a federal lawsuit against UMass Faculty Federation, the university president and state officials to defend his right to free speech and freedom of association.

New York teacher unjustly suspended returns to the classroom with help from the Liberty Justice Center

A teacher who was placed on leave for recommending a video which encouraged young people to do their best and not to depend on others, is returning to her teaching role after help from the Liberty Justice Center.

President Biden, Facebook, and Twitter sued over online censorship

Social media influencer Justin Hart has filed a federal lawsuit against Facebook, Twitter, U.S. President Joe Biden, and the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for violating his First Amendment right to free speech.

Liberty Justice Center statement on preliminary injunction order in Menders v. Loudoun County School Board

Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Anthony J. Trenga issued an order on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Menders v. Loudoun County School Board.

Illinois rental owners file new lawsuit to end illegal federal eviction ban

Illinois property owners filed a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) latest illegal eviction ban. While the Biden Administration claims the eviction ban provides relief to struggling Americans, it does so by passing on hardships to other Americans—property owners.

Ex-MassHealth employee sues after being fired for personal Facebook posts

A former MassHealth employee is suing the agency after she was fired for posting in a private Facebook group that she opposes reporting people who do not wear masks to law enforcement authorities. Denise Foley has filed a lawsuit against MassHealth for wrongful termination and...

LJC sues New York and New Jersey for violating free speech protections recently upheld by U.S. Supreme Court

The Liberty Justice Center, a national public interest law firm that fights for constitutional rights and free speech, has sued the Attorneys General of New York and New Jersey over the states’ unconstitutional policy requiring nonprofits to disclose private information about their donors.

Liberty Justice Center statements on today’s U.S. Supreme Court rulings

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. Supreme Court winning law firm offers comment on Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta and Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2021) — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two rulings. The Liberty Justice...

USDA sued over racist loan assistance program

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. JACKSON, Tenn. (June 15, 2021) — A Tennessee farmer has sued the United States Department of Agriculture over a loan forgiveness program made available exclusively to minority farmers. Farmers and ranchers with loans from the USDA’s Farm...

Parents sue Loudoun County School Board for pushing children to voice support for controversial political views

A group of Loudoun County parents have filed a federal lawsuit against school leaders for violating students’ free speech rights.

Indiana school superintendent illegally blocks parent on social media

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. INDIANAPOLIS (June 2, 2021) — A Brownsburg, Indiana, mother has demanded the school district superintendent unblock her on social media, restoring her access to an important public forum. Kristin Ferklic has taken an active approach to education...

Mother’s lawsuit forces South Carolina school district to open in-person learning to all students

To schedule an interview, contact Kristen Williamson at [email protected] or 773-809-4403. CHARLESTON, S.C. (May 25, 2021) — All students in Berkeley County, South Carolina public schools now have access to in-person learning after a mother’s lawsuit forced the school district to comply with state law. Brigette Herbst...

D.C. Mayor drops ban on wedding dancing after bride sues

The mayor of Washington D.C. announced today that she is lifting her ban on dancing at weddings. The announcement comes after a D.C.-area bride, Margaret Appleby, sued over the ban with the help of attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center and Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute.

South Carolina school district sued for denying in-person education required by state law

In Herbst v. Berkeley County School District, the Liberty Justice Center is seeking to ensure all students have equal access to in-person education in accordance with South Carolina state law.

SC school group files in support of lawsuit to strike discriminatory language from state constitution

GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 27, 2021) — On Monday, the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools (SCACS) filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in Bishop of Charleston v. Adams. SCACS represents 69 member schools which together serve over 9,000 students across South Carolina....

Lawsuit calls on federal court to strike racist, bigoted amendment from South Carolina Constitution

Striking the Blaine Amendment would restore eligibility for federal COVID relief funds to private, independent and religious schools, including HBCUs

Liberty Justice Center notifies state education leaders of intent to safeguard grants earmarked for non-public schools

LJC is intent on ensuring that billions of federal COVID-19 emergency assistance dollars earmarked for non-public schools actually wind up in the service of those schools and their students.

Racehorse owners, trainers sue to stop federal authority illegally given to private group

U.S. Congress created a private organization with federal authority to make laws, issue subpoenas and collect money

Madison teachers union faces lawsuit over planned illegal “sick out”

Attorneys at the Liberty Justice Center and Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) are warning Madison Teachers Inc. that they face legal repercussions if they move forward with an illegal sick out on Monday.

High school principal sues after being suspended for talking to students about free speech and tolerance

Principal Thorne’s attorneys have filed a federal lawsuit against the district for violating his First Amendment and contractual rights for placing him on administrative leave for discussing current events and free speech with students.

Tennessee Supreme Court agrees to hear scholarship program case appeal

Today, the Tennessee Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal from the Court of Appeals on the constitutionality of Governor Bill Lee's Education Savings Account pilot program to provide low-income students in Nashville and Memphis with a $7,000 scholarship to attend the school of their...

If the Chicago Teachers Union strikes, that’s illegal

A Chicago Teachers Union strike would be illegal — violating both the current collective bargaining agreement with Chicago Public Schools and Illinois law.

Arizona parent confronts school district, union over illegal teacher “sick out” in Chandler

A parent of a student in one of Arizona’s largest school districts is placing teachers union and school leaders on notice if teachers repeat an illegal work stoppage that took place in December. As the Chandler Unified School District Board of Education meets again this...

Vermont parents sue state over unequal access to education

A group of Vermont parents are suing the state and local school districts over unequal access to education under the state’s 150-year-old Town Tuitioning system. The parents say the program violates the state constitution by allowing children residing in certain school districts to attend the...

Virginia parents confront school district, union over illegal teacher “sick out” in Fairfax

Parents of students in Virginia’s largest school district are working to ensure that teachers union leaders do not repeat an illegal work stoppage that took place in late October.

Liberty Justice Center appeals ruling to block scholarship for low-income students to the Tennessee Supreme Court

Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center are asking the Tennessee Supreme Court to overturn a decision to block a critical scholarship program for low-income students. Opponents of the Education Savings Account (ESA) Pilot Program have stalled its implementation and blocked scholarships for up to 5,000...

Idaho teachers union vows not to strike again in response to parents’ lawsuit filed after mass “sick out”

Idaho’s largest teachers union has vowed not to shut down schools again a month after waging an illegal strike that forced 40,000 kids to stay home unexpectedly. The union’s promise comes after a group of parents sued the teachers union for illegally shutting down schools...

Students file federal lawsuit against Indiana University over privacy violations, breach of contract

To schedule an interview, contact [email protected] or 773-809-4403. INDIANAPOLIS (Oct 29, 2020) — With the help of the Liberty Justice Center, four undergraduate Indiana University Bloomington students are suing the university and its President Michael McRobbie over privacy violations and breach of contract. The suit stems from...

Liberty Justice Center represents North Carolina General Assembly in fight to protect scholarships for low-income students

Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center are representing the North Carolina General Assembly in a legal fight to protect a scholarship program that provides educational opportunities for thousands of low-income students.

Idaho parents fight to ensure the teachers union won’t shut down schools again

As the West Ada School District announced it would reopen on Wednesday, a group of parents filed a lawsuit arguing this week’s “sick out” was an illegal union strike, and that the teachers union cannot use the threat of another work stoppage to force the...

Mark Janus files brief defending WA workers’ right to stop union dues

Mark Janus, the lead plaintiff in the landmark 2018 Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision, submitted an amicus brief in Washington case.

Parents, school leaders fight to protect Opportunity Scholarship Program

A group of parents and two private schools in North Carolina are fighting to protect a critical scholarship program, the Opportunity Scholarship Program, which has opened the doors for thousands of low-income children in the state to attend private schools over the last five years.

Order issued in Illinois Vote By Mail case

Late this afternoon a federal judge ruled in the lawsuit challenging Illinois’ new Vote By Mail program that ballot harvesting is illegal and political operatives cannot collect mass amounts of mail-in ballots and submit them to election authorities.

Cook County Republican Party files lawsuit challenging Illinois’ new Vote By Mail program

The Cook County Republican Party has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Illinois' new vote-by-mail program, arguing that the validity of election results will be in doubt if this program moves forward.

Fight over SAFE Grants heads to the South Carolina Supreme Court

Today’s action escalates the legal battle from the state trial court to the South Carolina Supreme Court. Palmetto Promise Institute and the Liberty Justice Center continue to fight to protect SAFE Grants and plan to consent to bringing the case before the High Court.

Palmetto Promise Institute fights to restore SAFE Grants for South Carolina students

Palmetto Promise Institute asked an Orangeburg, S.C. judge to allow the governor’s new Safe Access to Flexible Education (SAFE) Grants program to move forward. If the judge sides with Palmetto Promise, thousands of students from moderate and low-income families will have the opportunity to attend...

Leader of free speech law firm speaks out against cancel culture at Marquette University

Hughes warns that Marquette University should not discriminate based on political views or free speech expressions. This discrimination runs afoul of Marquette’s principles and could put the university’s federal funding at risk.

Republicans to appeal judge’s ruling on Gov. Pritzker’s gatherings ban

“Today’s order is disappointing but we are confident in our argument in favor of political parties’ right to equal treatment to exercise their First Amendment rights. We are immediately appealing the decision,” said Patrick Hughes, president and co-founder of the Liberty Justice Center.

Liberty Justice Center attorneys applaud U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to protect school choice

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an historic ruling in support of school choice and the First Amendment. In Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, the Court reversed the Montana Supreme Court’s decision and ruled that students should be allowed to use state-supported scholarships to...

Illinois Right to Life sues over ban on gatherings

To schedule an interview, contact [email protected] or 773-809-4403. CHICAGO (June 24, 2020) — Illinois Right to Life, the state’s largest nonprofit, pro-life organization, has filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over his limits on gatherings and overreach of his executive powers. Illinois Right to...

In response to federal lawsuit, Illinois governor invites Salem journalist Amy Jacobson back to his press briefings

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has invited Salem Media journalist Amy Jacobson back to his press briefings in response to a federal lawsuit filed against him and his press secretary.

Republicans sue Pritzker over ban on gatherings

The Illinois Republican Party and three local Republican party committees have filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over his ban on gatherings of more than 10 people.

Liberty Justice Center attorneys committed to defending scholarships for low-income students

“The ESA program is urgently needed to help low-income Tennessee students escape failing schools and access better education opportunities,” said Brian Kelsey, senior attorney at the Liberty Justice Center. “We plan on making this argument in the Court of Appeals on August 5, and we...

Salem Media, veteran journalist Amy Jacobson sue Illinois governor over exclusion from press briefings

Amy Jacobson, a journalist for Salem’s AM 560 The Answer in Chicago, broke news that the governor’s family had traveled to Wisconsin amid a statewide “stay-at-home” order. Now she is banned from the governor’s daily press briefings.

Janus lawyers applaud Texas Attorney General for new opinion siding with public employees’ rights

In a new opinion built on the rights secured for public-sector workers in the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus v. AFSCME ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton affirms the right of Texas public employees to make a free choice whether or not to join or remain in...

Two new class action lawsuits in Minnesota seek nearly $19 million in returned union fees

The unions, AFSCME Council 5 and Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) collected fees for years from workers who did not want to join a union.

Liberty Justice Center attorneys plan to appeal ruling to block scholarships for low-income students

A group of parents and school leaders is fighting to protect the program so their children and students have the opportunity to escape poor-performing public schools.

Chicago area teacher sues union, school district for withholding information about her rights and forcing her to pay union dues

Teacher was told she'd be charged union dues even if she was not a member – a practice ruled illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court

Alaska workers sue union, state after being forced to pay union dues

(March 2020) Two state employees have filed a federal lawsuit against the state and the Alaska State Employee Association for forcing them to pay union dues against their will.

Federal judge strikes down NJ ‘donor disclosure’ law

(Mar. 11, 2020) In a major victory for free speech rights, a federal judge in New Jersey has permanently struck down a controversial law that violated the privacy of Americans.

Mark Janus asks Supreme Court to hear case seeking return of unconstitutional forced union fees

(March 9, 2020) Victory in this case could open the door to hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds for other government employees.

Parents, school leaders ask court to toss Nashville mayor’s lawsuit blocking scholarships for low-income students

(Feb. 26, 2020) A group of parents and school leaders are urging a state judge to toss Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s lawsuit against a new scholarship program for low-income families.

In Kent State labor case, employees’ rights to resign from union reaffirmed in settlement

(February 2020) The Buckeye Institute and Liberty Justice Center score another victory for public employees.

In response to Mayor Cooper’s attack on scholarships for underprivileged children, attorneys at the Liberty Justice Center ready to represent parents planning to use the program

(Feb. 6, 2020) Today Nashville Mayor John Cooper is expected to announce a lawsuit aimed at blocking a new program that provides scholarships to students from low-income families.

Supreme Court veterans urge court to defend First Amendment in Espinoza school choice case

(Jan. 22, 2020) The Liberty Justice Center supported the petitioners in the landmark school choice U.S. Supreme Court case being argued today, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue.

Gov. Evers’ FOX 11 interview conflicts with his legal arguments in MacIver’s press access case

(Jan. 10, 2020) Liberty Justice Center encourages the governor’s team to adopt the openness to press that Evers conveyed in the interview.

Liberty Justice Center & VUGO, Inc. ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear case arguing for commercial advertising in Uber, Lyft and other rideshare vehicles

(Jan. 7, 2020) The Liberty Justice Center, the public interest law firm behind the 2018 Supreme Court victory in Janus v. AFSCME, has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case that challenges bans on advertising in Uber, Lyft and other rideshare vehicles.

Statement: Federal judge issues order in Montana donor privacy challenge

(Jan. 2, 2020) Today, a federal judge issued an order in the lawsuit Illinois Opportunity Project v. Bullock. The lawsuit challenges an executive order Gov. Bullock issued in 2018.

Nonprofit groups challenge New Mexico disclosure law for violating free speech, privacy rights

SANTA FE, N.M. (Dec. 13, 2019) – Today two nonprofit organizations filed a federal lawsuit challenging New Mexico’s new overreaching donor disclosure law. The law limits free speech and privacy rights, and puts at risk the individuals who support nonpartisan advocacy groups. Every American has...

Nonpartisan advocacy groups challenge Rhode Island disclosure laws for violating free speech, privacy rights

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 22, 2019) – Yesterday two issue advocacy groups filed a federal lawsuit challenging Rhode Island’s stringent donor disclosure law which limits free speech and privacy rights, and puts at risk the individuals who support advocacy organizations. Every American should feel free to...

Mark Janus files motion seeking entire Seventh Circuit Appeals Court to rehear ruling on union fees refund

(Nov. 19, 2019) Attorneys representing Janus are petitioning the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals for rehearing en banc in the continuation of Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 31.

Family initiates legal action against Arizona Department of Education

(Nov. 14, 2019) An Arizona family has initiated legal action against the Arizona Department of Education for failing to follow state law regarding Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA).

Pennsylvania state employees file class-action lawsuit against AFSCME, seeking refund of approximately $3 million in illegal union fees

HARRISBURG, Pa. (Nov. 7, 2019) – Today, a group of Pennsylvania state employees sued AFSCME, one of the Commonwealth’s largest public sector unions. The U.S. Supreme Court says it is illegal to require public employees to pay union fees as a condition of employment. Pennsylvania...

Janus v. AFSCME attorneys challenge New York executive order aimed at keeping government employees in the dark about their rights

NEW YORK (Oct. 31, 2019) – The public interest law firm that brought the U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME has filed a lawsuit challenging an executive order issued in 2018 by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The governor’s order, issued the day of...

New Jersey donor disclosure law faces more roadblocks; advocacy groups welcome court’s scrutiny, skepticism over overreaching law

TRENTON, N.J. (Oct. 24, 2019) – A new court order has put the brakes on more facets of New Jersey’s controversial donor disclosure law – welcome news for advocacy groups who feared the overreaching law would stifle their free speech rights. The court order issued October...

Mark Janus returns to federal court to request refund of forced union fees outlawed by U.S. Supreme Court

Chicago, IL (September 20, 2019) – Mark Janus, plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, accompanied by his attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center and National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation will be arguing today before the 7th Circuit Court why he should...

School choice an essential safeguard for religious minorities – Brief filed asserting First Amendment protection before U.S. Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 18, 2019) – Today the nationally recognized First Amendment lawyers at the Liberty Justice Center (LJC) partnered with the nation’s foremost advocacy organization for school choice — the American Federation for Children (AFC) — to file a joint amicus brief supporting three...

Minnesota community college employee sues over coerced union membership, illegal dues deduction

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 17, 2019) – An Inver Grove Heights woman is suing AFSCME Council 5 for pressuring her to sign a union card, providing her with misleading information about union membership and violating her First Amendment rights. She has filed a federal lawsuit with the...

New Jersey election officials sued over violation of free speech, privacy laws

CAMDEN, N.J. (Sept. 12, 2019) – A lawsuit filed today against New Jersey election officials aims to strike down a new state law that puts at risk individuals who support certain advocacy organizations. In June, Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law a proposal known as...

Maryland state employees file class action lawsuit against AFSCME, seeking refund of approximately $7 million in illegal union fees

BALTIMORE, Md. (Sept. 4, 2019) – The U.S. Supreme Court says it is illegal to require public employees to pay union fees as a condition of employment. Now, a group of Maryland state employees who were forced to pay these fees prior to the Court’s...

Montana Governor Steve Bullock sued over violation of free speech, privacy laws

HELENA, Mont. (Aug. 28, 2019) – Americans’ right to support causes they believe in without fear of retaliation is at the center of a lawsuit filed today against Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and the head of that state’s procurement bureau. The lawsuit centers on an...

New class action lawsuit demands refunds from SEIU Local 668 for illegal fees taken from Pennsylvania social services workers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (Aug. 12, 2019) – A new class action lawsuit filed against a Pennsylvania union demands illegal union fees be refunded to social services employees for the Commonwealth. If successful, approximately 2,000 employees could recoup as much as $1 million in illegal union fees...

MacIver News Service sues Gov. Evers for equal access

A Wisconsin-based research and news outlet is suing Gov. Tony Evers for excluding its journalists from press briefings and refusing to provide them with press material that is shared with other news outlets.

California, Teamsters ignore landmark Supreme Court Case — New lawsuit targets forced union support and denial of information

SAN DIEGO (July 30, 2019) – Employees can’t be forced to pay a union to work in public service, and the state can’t withhold information from employees about their constitutional rights. That’s what two University of California employees argue in a lawsuit filed today in...

New class action lawsuit demands millions of dollars in refunds from AFSCME District Council 37, New York City’s top employee union

NEW YORK (July 24, 2019) – A class action lawsuit filed against New York City’s largest municipal union is demanding millions of dollars in illegal union fees be returned to city employees. If successful, approximately 7,000 city employees could recoup as much as $7 million...

A year after the Supreme Court’s Janus decision, government workers face steep obstacles exercising their rights

This week marks one year since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Janus v. AFSCME that government employees cannot be required to pay fees to government unions at their workplace. The ruling was a major victory for workers’ rights, free speech and freedom of choice.

Illinois state employees file class action lawsuit against AFSCME, seeking refund of approximately $2 million in illegal union fees

CHICAGO (May 1, 2019) – The U.S. Supreme Court says it is illegal to require government workers to pay union fees as a condition of employment. Now, a group of Illinois workers forced to pay these fees prior to the Court’s decision is demanding a...

Kent State employees sue over illegal union dues

COLUMBUS, OHIO (APRIL 29, 2019) – Three Kent State University workers have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that union dues were illegally deducted from their paychecks. Annamarie Hannay and Adda Gape are custodians for student residence halls at Kent State University. Since they started working...

Moline-Coal Valley School District employee sues over illegal union dues deductions

MOLINE, Ill. (April 29, 2019) – A custodian for the Moline-Coal Valley School District has filed a federal lawsuit after her employer and union refused to stop deducting money from her paycheck for union dues and contributions to a union political action fund. Susan Bennett...

University of California employees sue over illegal union dues

LOS ANGELES (March 28, 2019) – Two University of California system workers have filed a federal lawsuit alleging union dues were illegally deducted from their paychecks. Cara O’Callaghan has worked as the finance manager of the Sport Club program at the University of California, Santa...

‘Like it was a blood contract’: State worker suing SEIU 668 details long road to exit union

March 5, 2019 — Since 2014, Shalea Oliver has seen thousands of dollars removed from her paycheck to fund an organization and political efforts that she does not support. When she tried to push back against those deductions, she faced indifference and a refusal to...

Press Release: Philadelphia and Lebanon County workers sue unions over illegal dues

A caseworker for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and four Lebanon County mental health workers are suing their employers and unions for illegally deducting thousands of dollars in union dues from their paychecks.

Press Release: Mark Janus to receive National Review Institute’s 2019 Whittaker Chambers Award

CHICAGO (Feb. 21, 2019) –– Mark Janus, senior fellow at the Liberty Justice Center and plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, will be recognized with the National Review Institute’s 2019 Whittaker Chambers Award. The Whittaker Chambers Award honors a “profile...

Press Release: University of Hawaii employee files lawsuit against HGEA and University for constitutional violations

HILO, HAWAII (Jan. 10, 2019) –– Patricia Grossman, an employee of the University of Hawaii at Hilo for over 30 years, filed a lawsuit against the University and the Hawaii Government Employees Association for violating her First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of...

Press Release: Illinois school district employee files lawsuit against SEIU and District 15 for constitutional violations

CHICAGO (Jan. 3, 2019) –– Illinois school district employee Erich Mandel has filed a lawsuit against his government union, SEIU Local 73 and Community Consolidated School District 15 for violating his First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of association. Mandel is represented by...

Victory for free speech and economic liberty, Chicago passes ordinance allowing commercial advertising in rideshare vehicles

(Dec. 11, 2018) In a victory for free speech and economic liberty, the City of Chicago passed an amendment to allow commercial advertising in and on rideshare vehicles as part of its 2019 Revenue Ordinance.

New Mexico state employee files lawsuit against AFSCME and State for constitutional violations

New Mexico state employee files lawsuit against AFSCME and State for constitutional violations ALBUQUERQUE, NM (Dec. 7, 2018) –– New Mexico state employee Brett Hendrickson has filed a lawsuit against his government union, AFSCME, and the state of New Mexico for violating his First Amendment...

LJC Lawsuit in California Aims to Make Unions Respect the Supreme Court’s Authority

November 16, 2018 — The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision from June in Janus v. the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees was clear: Public employees no longer are required to pay union dues, even for collective-bargaining purposes. This was no technical or ambiguous point. The court declared it...

California teacher files lawsuit against United Teachers of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District for constitutional violations

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 13, 2018) – Special education teacher Thomas Few has filed a lawsuit against the United Teachers of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District for violating his First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of association. Few is represented...

Janus Attorneys Recognized for Policy Impact of Supreme Court Win

CHICAGO (Oct. 11, 2018) – The Liberty Justice Center was recognized this morning for its U.S. Supreme Court victory in the landmark case Janus v. AFSCME at the State Policy Network 26th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together with the Illinois Policy Institute,...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Minnesota, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 12, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Minnesota, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in New York, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 12, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in New York, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Hawaii, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 12, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Hawaii, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Rhode Island, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 4, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Rhode Island, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Alaska, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 4, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Alaska, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Pennsylvania, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 4, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Pennsylvania, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Maryland, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 4, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Maryland, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Ohio, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Sep. 4, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Ohio, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Washington, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Washington, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Oregon, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Oregon, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in Masschusetts, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in Massachusetts, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice Center...

Press Release: Janus attorneys send cease and desist letters to government officials in New Jersey, threaten litigation if employers don’t stop collecting union dues and fees

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2018) – Attorneys from the Liberty Justice Center have sent cease and desist letters to government officials in New Jersey, demanding that state and local government employers immediately stop deducting union member dues and “agency fees” from employee paychecks. The Liberty Justice...

Press Release: Supreme Court plaintiff Mark Janus to join Liberty Justice Center as advocate, spokesperson for workers’ rights

CHICAGO (July 25, 2018) – Mark Janus, plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, will be joining the Liberty Justice Center and Illinois Policy Institute as an advocate and spokesperson for workers’ rights. Janus worked as a child support specialist for state government...

Press Release: Liberty Principles PAC files lawsuit to suspend campaign contribution limits

CHICAGO (July 20, 2018) – Today Liberty Principles PAC filed a lawsuit asking a federal district court to immediately suspend Illinois’ campaign contribution limits for ”independent expenditure” groups in state races in which contribution limits have been eliminated for individuals and other groups.

Press Release: Supreme Court grants victory for workers’ First Amendment rights in Janus v. AFSCME

U.S. Supreme Court rules 5-4 that non-union government workers cannot be forced to pay union fees. In a major victory for First Amendment rights, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in Janus v. AFSCME that non-union government workers cannot be required to pay union fees as a condition...

Illinois State Government Stops Collecting “Fair Share” Fees for AFSCME, Other Government Worker Unions

The state will stop deducting agency fees from workers who have opted out of the union, effective immediately. As of June 27, the state of Illinois will no longer deduct union agency fees from the paychecks of nonmember public employees. Previously, Illinois workers were forced...

Supreme Court Rules Public Employees Are Not Required to Fund Unions in Big Win for First Amendment Rights

In a landmark decision for First Amendment rights, the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that public employees cannot be compelled to pay union fees as a condition of employment. The 5-4 ruling in Janus v. AFSCME restores the First Amendment rights of freedom of association and free speech to...

Cooke v. Illinois State Board of Elections

May 2018

BREAKING: Appellate Court orders Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino back to Elections Board for hearing on alleged illegal campaign payments Media contact: Diana Rickert 773-809-4403 SPRINGFIELD (May 22, 2018) – Today a state appellate court ruled that the Illinois Board of Elections must revisit allegations...

Worker Files Opening Brief in Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court Case Seeking to Strike Down Forced Union Fees

November 2017

Worker Advocate: It is time for the Court to recognize that the First Amendment protects public employees from being forced to subsidize union speech Washington, DC (November 29, 2017) – Today, attorneys for Illinois public servant Mark Janus filed the first merits brief in the Supreme...

Press release: Lawsuit filed against state agency for awarding millions in excessive business tax credits

CHICAGO (Jan. 9, 2015) – Like many other states, Illinois regularly awards tax credits to attract and keep businesses and jobs in the state. Illinois has a law that allows tax credits for companies that create new jobs. However, for more than a decade the...

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