Legal Department Docket, 2002-Present

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Case Name: Blake Benson
ACLU Case Number: 2009-07

Description: Blake Benson was a student at Dakota Ridge High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, when Michelle Obama came to deliver an after-school speech at his school the day before the 2008 national presidential election.  When Benson attempted to make his political views known by displaying a “Nobama” message across his t-shirt as attendees lined up for the speech, school officials ordered him to leave school grounds.  When Benson refused, Jefferson County officials arrested Benson for “interference.”

The ACLU represented Benson regarding both his criminal charges and potential civil claims.  In May 2009, the Jefferson County Sheriff confirmed that no charges would be pursued against Benson. 

In January 2010, the ACLU announced a settlement agreement had been reached with the sheriff and the Jefferson County School District regarding Benson’s potential civil claims.

Issues: Freedom of Speech, Rights of Young People, Police Practices

ACLU of Colorado Attorneys: Dan Recht; Taylor Pendergrass

Links to Selected Documents:

Legal Documents

• Notice of Benson In-School Suspension, November 4, 2008

Press

• “In Jeffco, Michelle Obama asks for a prayer for ‘Toot’," Denver Post, November 4, 2009
  

• “Charges Dismissed Against McCain Protestor Arrested at Michelle Obama Rally,” ACLU News Release, May 1, 2009
  

• “Charge against student wearing NOBAMA shirt dropped," Denver Post, May 1, 2009
  

• “ACLU resolves case on behalf of student arrested by Jefferson County officials for peacefully displaying a ‘NOBAMA’ message on shirt prior to Michelle Obama pre-election speech,” ACLU News Release, January 6, 2010

• Hi-resolution image of Benson wearing the "Nobama" shirt