Did Dunwoody Violate Right To Free Speech?

A Dunwoody resident has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, arguing that his First Amendment rights are being violated because the city denied his application for a sign that insulted Public Works Director Michael Smith.

According to the Reporter Newspapers, Joe Hirsch and his organization, “Dunwoody’s Public Works Director Michael Smith is a $#%@,” applied for a sign under the city's Adopt-A-Spot program. The city rejected his application, which prompted Hirsch and his attorneys to file the lawsuit on Aug. 13.

The program allows businesses and groups to sponsor the cleanup of a section of roadway. Hirsch is reported to have applied for his sign on Ashford Center Parkway or Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

According to Courthouse News, Hirsch is claiming the city rejected his application simply because of the name of his group.

Dunwoody's public works department denied Hirsch his application without giving a reason, according to the Dunwoody Crier. The paper also reported that  Hirsch filed an open records request. On May 21, the city informed Hirsch via email that his application was denied because the program cannot be used for political purposes.