Free Speech

Bus Service

Transit Systems, Advertising, and Free Speech: Lawsuit Puts Big Debate to the Test

The ACLU is bringing a lawsuit against SEPTA, saying the transit agency's advertising policy runs afoul of the First Amendment. Some $16 million in annual revenue is at stake.

May 3, 2018 - PlanPhilly

Charlottesville Downtown mall

Charlottesville and the 'War Against Public Space'

A think-piece published by CityLab argues that public space, and the ideals it embodies, are under threat from the racist groups that gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend.

August 15, 2017 - CityLab

Are freeway overpasses curtailing public discourse?

Freeway overpasses instead of town squares are now often selected as the preferred public space to promote a non-commercial point of view, but such messaging does little to enhance public discourse, writes planner and urbanist Howard Blackson.

June 22, 2016 - UrbDeZine

Is Busking in D.C.'s Metro Stations Protected Speech?

The ubiquitous sight of a performer or musician asking for money in a New York City subway is conspicuously absent from Washington D.C. Metro stations, because busking is verboten in the nation's capital. A July lawsuit aims to change that policy.

August 17, 2014 - Washington City Paper

Dallas Bans Protests Near Freeways

Supporters call a new Dallas ordinance banning protests near freeways a “pro-safety” measure rather than an “anti-protest” measure.

January 23, 2014 - Dallas News

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