The Flathead Warming Center—an emergency shelter in Kalispell, Montana—won a critical early victory to keep its doors open overnight—when temperatures are forecast to drop into the 20s. In September, the city council voted to revoke the Warming Center’s permit, even though it has never been cited for breaking any laws. IJ secured a preliminary injunction allowing the shelter to provide lifesaving warmth during the coming winter months.
Victory: Washington, D.C. Government to Allow Voluntary Trainings for Local Officials as Protected Speech Under the First Amendment
The D.C. government reversed their policy of considering voluntary trainings as prohibited gifts to elected neighborhood officials. This policy reversal comes in response to a letter sent by IJ, after we threatened to file a lawsuit on behalf of a better governance nonprofit who had previously been denied their First Amendment right to hold those trainings. This win is part of IJ's work to ensure people speak freely to willing listeners.
IJ Allies Spread Freedom And Justice In Their Communities
IJ is home to dozens of full-time litigators, legislative specialists, researchers, activists, and communications staff. Of course, they can’t do it alone—IJ partners with heroic clients to take on government goliaths, and more than 10,000 supporters make it all possible. But it also takes countless dedicated and passionate individuals working in their own communities to secure the freedoms IJ fights so hard to defend. Here are just a few recent examples.
As the holiday season quickly approaches, so does the end of another tax year. If you plan to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to IJ from your IRA this year, we encourage you to start the process with your financial institution by early December. Read more for details.
Did you know that you can be arrested for walking on the wrong side of the road? Neither did a Missouri police officer until he needed an excuse to arrest someone. An IJ attorney details her recent victory at the Supreme Court—20-word opinion—on behalf of her road-walking client.
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