(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City Council’s Finance Committee is recommending Chicago taxpayers pay more than $200,000 to four students in a freedom-of-speech case at Millennium Park.
Back in 2018, the four students from Wheaton College were told they could not hand out religious fliers and preach at Millennium Park. They sued in federal court, and a judge issued an injunction in students’ favor.
The city changed the rules at the park to allow preaching in the park, except at the Cloud Gate sculpture and Crown Fountain. The city’s lawyers now recommend settling the case for $205,000.
Ald. David Moore, 9th, asked city lawyers whether the new policy would protect hate speech at Millennium Park. Deputy Corporation Counsel Andrew Worsek said the city is still able to “exercise appropriate authority.”
The full Chicago City Council is expected to consider the settlement later this week.
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