The Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City Lodge #9, and its President, Brian Steel, have filed a lawsuit against the City of Whitehall, Mayor Michael Bivens, and Police Chief Mike Crispen in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The plaintiffs allege that a policy enacted by the defendants banning them from using the city’s email system violates their First Amendment rights. The FOP claims this ban restricts their ability to communicate with members and city officials about labor issues and public concerns. Despite being advised by the Whitehall City Attorney that the ban is unconstitutional, Mayor Bivens and Chief Crispen have refused to lift it. The lawsuit seeks equitable relief to restore email access and demands compensatory and punitive damages.
Source: 225cv01269_Steel_v_The_City_of_Whitehall_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
