Ninth Circuit Continues To Squelch Freedom Of Speech

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals finds another reason to dismiss a First Amendment claim. The ex-police chief's speech was not a matter of 'public concern,' even though she was fired because of it.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the First Amendment “prohibits government officials from subjecting individuals to ‘retaliatory actions’ for having engaged in protected speech.”

This seems to be a clear pronouncement. However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has found a way around it.

A three-judge panel recently voted 2-1 to deny First A…