Democrats across America have spent years spreading anti-police rhetoric, fueling protests and calls for defunding the police. Their message? Law enforcement is the enemy, especially in the wake of incidents like the death of George Floyd in 2020. From major cities to small towns, this agenda has taken hold, putting pressure on anyone who dares to support the police.
The mainstream media and progressive activists have latched onto this narrative, creating a hostile environment for those who want to show their appreciation for the men and women in blue. It’s no surprise that those who openly support law enforcement have found themselves in the crosshairs of the left’s crusade against police.
One such person is Sarah Fendley, a coffee shop owner who lost her job for standing up for the police. Fendley owned Big City Coffee, a popular spot in Boise, Idaho, and had just opened a new location on the campus of Boise State University in September 2020. But soon after, her public support for law enforcement, including displaying a thin blue line flag at her downtown shop, drew the ire of student activists.
Fendley, who was engaged to a former Boise police officer injured in the line of duty, didn’t shy away from her beliefs. She responded to the backlash with a social media post, proudly explaining her support for the police. This was too much for the university’s administrators, who caved to the pressure from a small but vocal group of activists. Within weeks, Fendley’s campus coffee shop was forced to close.
From Fox News:
Boise State University administrators owe a coffee shop owner $4 million after a jury unanimously ruled the school officials violated the woman’s First Amendment rights in a conflict over her public support of law enforcement…Fendley originally sued the university for $10 million after she closed her campus shop in October 2020, according to local reports, arguing administrators conspired to retaliate against her for expressing pro-police views on social media.
But Fendley didn’t take this lying down. She sued the university for violating her First Amendment rights, arguing that the administrators had conspired to retaliate against her because of her pro-police stance.
In a stunning victory for free speech and law enforcement supporters everywhere, a jury unanimously sided with Fendley, awarding her a massive $4 million in damages. The breakdown? $3 million for lost business, reputational harm, and emotional distress, and another $1 million in punitive damages aimed squarely at the university’s former vice president of student affairs. This decision sends a clear message: you can’t silence people just because they support the police.
The lawsuit revealed the shady dealings of Boise State University’s administrators. According to the evidence, officials were already preparing a press release about Big City Coffee’s exit from campus before their meeting with Fendley had even concluded.
It’s clear they had one goal in mind—get rid of her. During the trial, Boise State’s attorney argued that Fendley had chosen to leave on her own, but the jury didn’t buy it. They saw right through the university’s attempt to suppress Fendley’s free speech, and they didn’t hesitate to hold the school accountable.
Fendley’s lawyer, Michael Roe, put it best when he said, “Senior administration at BSU caved to a very small number of student activists.” These were the same students who had attacked Fendley on social media, urging their peers to boycott her coffee shop simply because she supported law enforcement. Rather than defend free speech, Boise State chose to side with the mob, a decision that has now cost them millions.
The university, of course, denies any wrongdoing. Alicia Estey, one of the administrators involved, testified in court that there was no retaliation against Fendley and that she had simply made the choice to leave.
But the jury saw things differently. After just three hours of deliberation, they ruled unanimously in Fendley’s favor. This victory isn’t just about one coffee shop owner—it’s about protecting the right to express support for law enforcement without fear of retaliation.
Boise State’s attorney tried to flip the narrative, accusing Fendley of trying to suppress student speech. But the jury didn’t buy that argument either. This case wasn’t about students’ free speech—it was about a business owner’s right to stand up for what she believes in without being punished by a public university. The $4 million verdict sends a loud and clear message that universities must respect free speech for all, not just for those who align with progressive ideologies.
Boise State plans to appeal the decision, but the damage has been done. This case is a wake-up call for other institutions that think they can silence conservative voices and support for the police. Sarah Fendley’s victory is a win for free speech, for law enforcement, and for every American who believes in standing up for what’s right.
Key Takeaways:
- Sarah Fendley, a pro-police coffee shop owner, was awarded $4 million after Boise State violated her First Amendment rights.
- Boise State University caved to student activists who opposed Fendley’s support for law enforcement.
- The jury’s unanimous decision is a victory for free speech and shows that silencing conservative voices will not be tolerated.
Source: Fox News
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