Do NYC police officers have the First Amendment right to protest against Mayor Bill de Blasio?
William Bratton, NYC’s Police Commissioner, said it was deemed “inappropriate” for police officers to turn against the mayor in a funeral of several slain officers.
While there’s no sign of any of the police officer who took part in the rebuke of the mayor will face sanction, some observers suggested those who protested should face consequences.
Speech rights of public workers are frequently in the legal gray area.
Courts said that government workers have legal rights to speak openly as private citizens on issues concerning the public --- with certain exceptions.
Courts are also considering how free speech can lead to the disruption of government functions. The speech value would need to be measured against its potential disruption.
The Supreme Court has laid general guidelines that looks into free speech rights of public workers.
Union leaders are accusing the mayor for founding an anti-police environment.
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