BOONE COUNTY — Almost two weeks after a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana prompted an internal investigation in Boone County, commissioners say the post and blocking of an individual on the county's Facebook page was inadvertent.
"The situation has been rectified," commissioners said in a statement Tuesday. "We have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again and are working on an expeditious resolution of the litigation."
County commissioner spokesperson Noah Alatza tells WRTV the administrator thought he was utilizing his own personal page, and that person has now been removed from the county's Facebook account.
"Specific operational changes have also been incorporated to ensure that people aren't blocked in the future ... the county's internal investigation has been completed," Alatza said.
The ACLU told WRTV Tuesday that no official agreement has been reached at this time.
The lawsuit was filed on May 12 on behalf of Boone County resident Kevin Dininger. According to the lawsuit, Dininger commented on a Facebook post saying that he intended to vote for a challenger who was running to become a Boone County commissioner instead of the incumbents.
"The County responded swiftly to Mr. Dininger’s comment by limiting or disabling any comments on the post, an act that had the effect of deleting Mr. Dinginer’s comment," the lawsuit read.
The lawsuit alleges that Dininger then made a post to his personal Facebook page about the matter and after that, the County blocked him from the page altogether.
"The County’s action in blocking Mr. Dininger from its Facebook page unjustifiably impinges on Mr. Dininger’s rights under the First Amendment," the lawsuit states.
In a previous statement after the lawsuit was filed, the Commissoners said they are "strong proponents of the First Amendment and believe in everyone's right to free speech."
-
White River State Park cancels 15-acre expansion plans, citing financial reasons
Indiana state officials have abandoned plans to expand White River State Park in Indianapolis, citing financial reasons, leaving neighbors uncertain about the future of the vacant land.
Leaders across central Indiana examine data center growth and community impact
Leaders across central Indiana are taking a closer look at data centers, weighing whether bringing more of them to the region would help grow the local economy or create new challenges.
Ex-childcare worker charged after allegedly pulling child from bookshelf
Prosecutors have criminally charged a former childcare worker with felony battery following an incident at the Weston School, located at 7050 Coffman Road in Indianapolis.
Man charged with murder in death of woman on Indianapolis' west side
A woman was found dead Tuesday night on Indianapolis' west side, and homicide detectives are now investigating.
