Lawyer Wins Ad Battle at Syracuse Airport

Megan Thomas, a lawyer specializing in sexual harassment cases, initiated a legal battle against the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) after her advertisement for her law firm was initially rejected. Thomas aimed to place a provocative ad at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which read: “When HR called it harmless flirting … we called it exhibit A.” The airport authority requested that she soften the wording, leading to her decision to file a federal lawsuit in August.

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In her lawsuit, Thomas argued that the SRAA's rejection of her ad violated her First Amendment rights. The airport authority had initially approved a draft of the ad but later deemed the slogan “harsh” and potentially “threatening” to men. In a preliminary ruling, Judge Anthony Brindisi criticized the SRAA's stance, stating that the ad was no more misleading than other advertisements commonly found in the airport. Following the judge's decision, the parties reached a confidential settlement, allowing Thomas to display a much larger version of her original ad.

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The newly installed advertisement, which features a prominent image of Thomas and her slogan in bold pink letters, has significantly increased visibility for her law firm. Since the ad's placement, Thomas reported a substantial rise in inquiries to her Syracuse-based firm, prompting her to hire an additional attorney and plan for further staffing increases.

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In response to the settlement, the SRAA expressed disappointment with the judge's ruling but acknowledged that the agreement allows both parties to refocus on their primary objectives. They stated, “The settlement permits both parties to return focus to their core corporate purposes while preserving the authority’s ability to manage and operate the airport.”

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While the SRAA's rejection of the ad was framed as a concern for professionalism and potential intimidation, critics argue that such actions can stifle free speech and limit the representation of important social issues. Thomas emphasized that her legal battle was not only about her rights but also about protecting the rights of other women facing similar challenges.

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• “When the airport told me the First Amendment did not apply and that they could do what they liked, I realized I would need to bring a lawsuit,” — Megan Thomas, Lawyer

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This case highlights the ongoing tensions between advertising content, free speech rights, and the management of public spaces, particularly in contexts related to sensitive social issues like sexual harassment.

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