Stadig v. Stolipher

  • Filed: 07/13/2023
  • Status: Active
  • Court: Jefferson County Circuit Court
  • Latest Update: Jul 13, 2023
A graphic displays a cellphone with social media apps being circled and crossed out. The black text on a pink background reads "We'll see you in court" in all caps.

Summary

Our client was blocked from viewing and interacting with Jefferson County Commissioner Steven Stolipher’s government official Facebook page, a violation of her first amendment rights.

In May 2022, Jefferson County Commissioner Steven Stolipher began a discussion on his government official-designated Facebook page, and our client asked him questions about his post. That same day she was blocked from viewing and interacting with his content. The ACLU of West Virginia’s legal team is arguing that Stolipher violated the State Constitution’s free speech and public assembly rights. Government officials cannot block constituents on social media just because they don’t want to answer a question.

Case Number:
CC-19-2023-C-127
Judge:
Hammer
Attorney(s):
Aubrey Sparks, Nick Ward