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Iowa Woman Sues Over Firing for Facebook Comments

12/2/2025

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Maria Suing Iowa

Maria Ruhtenberg, the plaintiff, sues the state of Iowa and Jeff Wright, Iowa State Public Defender, alleging a First Amendment violation.
Iowa fired her after she posted Facebook comments about the murder of Charlie Kirk.
The lawsuit says the comments did not affect her job performance or workplace relations.
A conference call discussed the comments before her termination.
The state has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

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Swierc Sues University

Suzanne Swierc, a former Ball State University employee, sues Ball State University after termination over comments on her private Facebook account about Charlie Kirk's assassination.
Her posts went viral after being shared publicly.
The university fired her citing potential disruption and referencing Hedgepeth v. Britton.
The American Civil Liberties Union represents Swierc, arguing the comments were personal and did not interfere with university operations.

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Maria Suing Iowa

Maria Ruhtenberg, the plaintiff, sues the state of Iowa and Jeff Wright, Iowa State Public Defender, alleging a First Amendment violation.
Iowa fired her after she posted Facebook comments about the murder of Charlie Kirk.
The lawsuit says the comments did not affect her job performance or workplace relations.
A conference call discussed the comments before her termination.
The state has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

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