FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Civil Liberties Defense Center Files Injunction Lawsuit against Federal Buildings

Caption: Lauren Regan speaks at the Eugene press conference on Tuesday, June 9

Eugene, OR – The Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC) has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court in Eugene, seeking an injunction and declaratory relief under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) against the General Services Administration (GSA).

In a blatant disregard for public access and First Amendment rights, the federal government constructed a tall metal fence around the Eugene federal building, blocking access to most of a popular public gathering space known as the Free Speech Plaza. This significantly limits the community’s ability to exercise their constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. A local interfaith group, Singing For Our Lives, and many other local activists have peacefully gathered and held vigils at least weekly at the Free Speech Plaza, with large gatherings at that location going back to the building of the Plaza in the 1970s.

One of the plaintiffs, Chris Rampala, shared: “As a nurse, proud union member, and Eugene local, I helped organize a vigil for our community to grieve the death of nurse Alex Pretti, who was killed by ICE agents in Minnesota. Hundreds peacefully gathered, brought flowers, and sang, to be in solidarity with the Minneapolis community. I will return and continue to exercise my First Amendment rights. The government cannot shut down the public square to silence our dissent.”

Marianne Dugan, CLDC’s lead attorney on this case, added, “Since the 1970s, Free Speech Plaza has served as the primary public gathering area in Eugene for free speech. This fence is a gross violation by the government of the community’s rights to free speech and assembly. I am proud to fight alongside the people of Eugene.”

The original complaint filed by CLDC can be viewed here:

The TRO can be viewed here: