(Indianapolis, IN) - The Town of Kingsford Heights is being sued for allegedly violating the public’s right to freedom of speech.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a lawsuit, which claims the municipality removed two residents from the Town Council’s official private Facebook group.  Among other purposes, the Town Council of Kingsford Heights uses this group to publicize information of importance to Town residents, such as proposed ordinances. 

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Michael Easley and Emily Galloway, alleges that the Council’s actions represent viewpoint-based discrimination, in violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.  According to the complaint, Easley was removed from the Town Council’s official Facebook group after he posted a Facebook comment in a different forum that was critical of Town Council leadership.

The lawsuit contends Galloway was removed from the group by the Town Council after she asked a question in a different Facebook forum a campaign-related statement. 

“The First Amendment protects people, who regardless of their views, attempt to hold the government accountable through expression,” said Gavin M. Rose, ACLU of Indiana Senior Attorney.

“Kingsford Heights’ practice of silencing citizens on Facebook who are critical of the Council’s actions is unconstitutional,” he said.