
Chicago taxpayers are footing the bill for an Alderman’s First Amendment lawsuit, raising questions about the city’s use of public funds.
At a Glance
- Chicago to pay $87,500 in settlement for Alderman Jim Gardiner’s Facebook blocking lawsuit
- Gardiner violated First Amendment rights by blocking critics on his official Facebook page
- City’s decision to pay despite not being a defendant sparks controversy
- Settlement includes $70,000 from Gardiner, permanent ban on blocking users without policy
Chicago Foots Bill for Alderman’s Social Media Misstep
The City of Chicago has agreed to pay $87,500 to settle a lawsuit against Alderman Jim Gardiner, who was accused of violating the First Amendment rights of six individuals by blocking them on his official Facebook page. This decision has raised eyebrows among taxpayers and critics alike, as the city was not initially named as a defendant in the case.
The lawsuit, filed in October 2021, alleged that Gardiner, representing Chicago’s 45th ward, blocked the plaintiffs after they posted critical comments on his Facebook page. U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled that Gardiner’s actions indeed violated the First Amendment, basing her decision on a 2019 advisory opinion from the Chicago Board of Ethics.
Unusual Settlement Raises Questions
The city’s decision to contribute to the settlement has been met with skepticism. “It is highly unusual for the city to agree to use taxpayer money to resolve a case in which it is not a defendant,” WTTW reported.
The city’s spokesperson defended the decision, stating it was made “to stem the costs of further litigation and foreclose any future claims against it including a potential appeal.” However, this explanation has not quelled concerns about the use of taxpayer funds.
Breakdown of the Settlement
The total settlement amounts to $157,500, with the city covering 55% ($87,500) and Gardiner responsible for the remaining $70,000. Each plaintiff will receive $4,000, while $133,500 is allocated for legal fees. Notably, the settlement does not require City Council approval as it falls below the $100,000 threshold.
Gardiner, who earned $142,254 in 2023 as Alderman and has made $727,965 in total salary from 2017 to 2023, attempted to defend his actions by claiming he moderated his page “due to doxing and the nature of harassing comments.” However, this argument was dismissed by the judge.
Implications for Future Social Media Use
As part of the settlement, Gardiner is permanently barred from blocking users or deleting posts on his Facebook page without a compliant policy. While the settlement includes no admission of wrongdoing by Gardiner, it highlights the ongoing debate about the intersection of social media, free speech, and the responsibilities of elected officials.