BOONE COUNTY — Less than a month after it was filed, a complaint filed by the ACLU against the Boone County Commissioners has been dismissed.
The complaint alleged the County violated the First Amendment after blocking a resident from the Commissioners' Facebook page.
According to the stipulation of dismissal, the plaintiff, Boone County resident Kevin Dininger, has been unblocked from the page.
"The County further agrees that, on said Facebook page, it will not hide or delete user comments, ban or block users, or censor user comments based on viewpoints expressed by the users," the document read.
The agreement still allows the County to delete comments that are vulgar, obscene, defamatory, harrassing or threatening.
An internal investigation by the county found the blocking was "inadvertent."
A spokesperson for the Boone County Commissioners tells WRTV "the situation has been resolved to the satisfaction of all the parties."
The ACLU of Indiana shared the following statement:
"When a government entity opens up a space for public comment, it cannot regulate those comments based upon someone’s viewpoint. Boone County has agreed to refrain from censoring comments in the future and, while we are pleased that the County resolved the issue so promptly, this problem is not exclusive to Boone County. We hope other government entities and public officials will take notice to avoid further litigation."
-
How the Iran war is choking critical aid distribution around the world
As the war in Iran continues to limit shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, humanitarian groups say critical aid shipments are also being cut off — aid that could save lives around the globe.
Delta announces increased bag fees as Iran war drives up fuel costs
Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday it will raise its fees for checked baggage, joining several other domestic airlines that have raised prices as oil and jet fuel costs climb due to the war in Iran.
Global emergency aid cut off by Iran war
The war in Iran is impacting more than just oil prices. Critical aid meant to save lives is also facing constraints. (Scripps News)Indiana State Police investigating inmate death at Miami Correctional Facility
According to ISP, detectives were asked to begin their investigation into the death of 50-year-old Shawn Booker on Saturday. ISP said Booker's family has been notified of his passing.
