Excerpted from a March 19, 2024, American Center for Life and Liberty article, "ACLJ Obtains Victory in Lawsuit Against Smithsonian – One of the Largest Reported Settlements Against Federal Government in First Amendment Case – After It Unconstitutionally Kicked Out Christian Students for Wearing Pro-Life Hats":
quote:Last year, on the 50th annual March for Life event in Washington, D.C., groups of pro-lifers were targeted because of their pro-life apparel while visiting several different government buildings before and after the March for Life. They were required to cover up their pro-life apparel, or leave the buildings, in violation of their free speech rights as protected by the First Amendment....
In documents filed with the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian has agreed to settle with our clients, providing a monetary amount of $50,000, a private tour to be given by the director of the National Air and Space Museum, personal apologies, and the public dissemination of an “after action” report that was conducted by the Smithsonian following the incident that occurred. In addition, the Smithsonian will “further reiterate via a bulk distribution method to all security officers stationed at all Smithsonian museums open to the public and the National Zoological Park, the current Smithsonian policy regarding the wearing of hats or other types of clothing with messages, including religious and political speech.” [Boldface added]
