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06.07.07
ACLU Warns Cincinnati State Against Interfering with Janitors for Justice Campaign on Campus
CINCINNATI, OH– Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio
sent a letter to Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
President Ron Wright regarding the College’s continued interference with
the Janitors for Justice campaign sponsored by Service Employees
International Union (SEIU) Local 3.
Recently, the ACLU of Ohio received a complaint from SEIU Local 3 that
student supporters and union organizers have been repeatedly denied the
opportunity and right to distribute literature publicizing the campaign
on Cincinnati State’s campus. Allegations include a student
possibly facing disciplinary charges for merely distributing flyers on
campus and, strangely enough, claims by the College’s administration
that they are acting at the behest of the Ohio Attorney General’s office
In its letter, ACLU of Ohio Legal Director, Jeff Gamso, expressed
serious concern regarding the College’s actions and demanded such
efforts halt immediately. Should the College ignore the demand,
Gamso indicated the ACLU would have no choice but to file a lawsuit to
protect the First Amendment rights of students, organizers, staff and
faculty affected by the College’s tactics of intimidation and
harassment.
“This appears to be a classic example of Government silencing speech
because they disagree with the message,” said Gamso. “Fortunately
for the students and organizers, they have the First Amendment on their
side and the ACLU of Ohio stands ready to make sure their rights do not
continue to be violated. In the end, I suspect we will be able to
resolve this matter amicably”, added Gamso.
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Read the letter to Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
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