ACLU Statement on Mayor Zahn’s Decision to Rescind Ban on Nike Products

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana issued the following statement regarding Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn’s announcement that he would rescind his policy banning booster clubs that use city facilities from purchasing Nike products.

“We’re pleased the mayor reconsidered his divisive stance and rescinded this unconstitutional policy,” said Alanah Odoms Hebert, ACLU of Louisiana executive director. “The reversal of this ban is good news for the people of Kenner and all Louisianans, who have a constitutional right to express their political views free from government censorship or discrimination. Officials across the state should remember: they took an oath to serve all their constituents, regardless of what brand they wear or what political views they hold.”

The mayor’s announcement came hours after the ACLU and the ACLU of Louisiana sent a letter to Mayor Zahn demanding he immediately rescind the policy, asserting it violated the First Amendment’s free speech protections and that the mayor’s justification for it failed to pass any constitutional test.

A copy of the letter sent to Mayor Zahn is available here: https://www.aclu.org/letter-kenner-mayor-ben-zahn-demanding-immediate-reversal-nike-ban

A copy of this release is at: https://www.laaclu.org/en/press-releases/aclu-statement-mayor-zahns-decision-rescind-ban-nike-products