Access

Federal Judge Grants Mizzou Palestinian Students Access to Homecoming Parade with Political Speech Restrictions

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A federal judge ruled Friday that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Missouri may participate in the homecoming parade this weekend, provided they adhere to the university’s policy against political messaging during the event. The organization had filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that officials infringed on their rights to free speech when they denied the group’s request to be part of the parade. U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough granted a preliminary injunction, indicating that the group has a substantial chance of success with their First Amendment claims. … Read more

Newport City Council Settles ACLU Lawsuit Over Controversial Trespass Order, Upholding Public Access Rights

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NEWPORT, Vt. — The Newport City Council has reached a settlement in a lawsuit involving a former city employee, Andrew Cappello, who faced a controversial no trespass order issued in August 2021. The order prohibited Cappello from accessing city property for a year, a decision that raised significant legal and civil rights concerns. Cappello was employed by the City of Newport from 2009 until his resignation in June 2021, where he served in various capacities within the parks and recreation department. Tensions escalated between him and the Public Works Director, Tom Bernier, eventually leading to … Read more

Inside North Lake: Attorneys Share Insights on New ICE Detention Center’s Conditions and Access

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Baldwin, Michigan — Three months have passed since the North Lake Correctional Facility began operating as an immigration detention center. This new role has focused on processing detainees for deportation, while their attorneys maintain a critical connection with them throughout their confinement. Opened in mid-June, the North Lake facility is a former prison located in Lake County and is now under the jurisdiction of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Attorneys working with detainees emphasize the significance of maintaining access for legal counsel within the facility. Richard Kessler, an immigration attorney based in Grand Rapids, has … Read more