FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Civil Liberties Defense Center Announces Resounding Win in

Federal Free Speech Plaza Lawsuit

Eugene, OR – Today, in a resounding win for the First Amendment, the federal district court ordered the federal government to take down the fence around Free Speech Plaza within 48 hours.  This is in response to the General Services Administration (GSA) erecting a tall barrier fence around Free Speech Plaza reducing the 52,000 square foot community gathering space by almost 90%.

Less than three weeks after CLDC filed this constitutional challenge, Federal District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai ruled in favor of CLDC’s request for a preliminary injunction. In issuing the injunction, Judge Kasubhai ruled that the plaintiff activists had proved by “clear and convincing evidence” the fenced-off area is a “traditional public forum,” and that they have a strong likelihood of success in proving the government violated the First Amendment by erecting a fence that dramatically reduced the area to assemble and engage in free expression. The judge also found that the detailed testimony of six witnesses who took the stand clearly demonstrated ongoing harm to the plaintiffs’ and public’s rights.

Marianne Dugan, CLDC’s lead attorney on this case, added “We are absolutely thrilled the court did right by Eugene residents. The federal Free Speech Plaza has served as an important public gathering area in Eugene for the community to exercise its First Amendment Rights, for more than fifty years. Today’s decision by Judge Kasubhai is the result of that community showing up and speaking out day after day. We are proud to fight alongside the people of Eugene.”

“Standing up to fascism, pushing back on the erosion of our rights, and defending the right to dissent is incredibly important right now.  We took a stand against the closure of the free speech plaza and are heartened that the Court agreed with us–the fence will come down immediately and we will resume the exercise of our constitutional rights and we will continue to watchdog ICE in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.” Said plaintiff Tyrras Warren after the Court ruling was announced.

CLDC will hold a press conference tomorrow at 2:00p.m. at Federal Free Speech Plaza, 211 E. 7th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401.  The conference speakers will include CLDC attorneys and clients.

The original complaint can be viewed here.