NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A former Nashville firefighter has been awarded more than $1.7 million in damages in a civil rights case.
The verdict was returned on Friday by a federal jury against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County for retaliating against Tracy Turner "based on his exercise of his free speech rights."
In 2020, Turner posted on his personal Facebook page about issues such as Black Lives Matter protest, the COVID-19 mask mandate and global warming. Turner was demoted from his position of Captain to the lowest rank in the department.
The court found that his political Facebook comments were entitled to full constitutional protection.
“This is an important vindication of a public employee’s freedom to exercise their right of free speech,” said attorney Larry Crain. “We should never tolerate government retaliation against an employee for speaking out on matters of inherent public concern.”
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It takes village! Hats off to the Wilson County Rotary clubs for investing in our kids in such a tangible way. Putting 100,000 books in the hands of little learners is something to celebrate. I love that they store the books in a bank vault — they truly are priceless!
-Carrie Sharp
