National Archives Makes Deal With Anti-Abortion Activists Who Sued the Agency
The National Archives made a deal with anti-abortion activists who filed a lawsuit against the federal agency. According to the agreement filed in federal court Tuesday, the activists claim “they were instructed by…
The National Archives made a deal with anti-Abortion activists who filed a lawsuit against the federal agency.
According to the agreement filed in federal court Tuesday, the activists claim “they were instructed by security officers during their visit to remove or cover their attire because of their pro-life messages.”
As a result, the National Archives and Records Administration has promised to adhere to a preexisting policy stating the agency “expressly allows all visitors to wear t-shirts, hats, buttons, and other similar items, that display protest language, including religious and political speech.”
Additionally, activist Wendilee Lassiter will be provided a “personal tour of the National Archives Museum on February 17, 2023, and NARA staff shall extend Lassiter a personal apology on that tour.”
CNN noted a judge still needs to approve the agreement.
Last week, the agency issued a statement addressing the incident.
“As the home to the original Constitution and Bill of Rights, which enshrine the rights of free speech and religion, we sincerely apologize for this occurrence,” the agency said in the statement.
It continues, “NARA policy expressly allows all visitors to wear t-shirts, hats, buttons, etc. that display protest language, including religious and political speech. We are actively investigating to determine what happened.”