ACLU Secures $485,000 Settlement for FWC Biologist Fired over Charlie Kirk Post
The ACLU of Florida announced a $485,000 settlement for Brittney Brown, a former biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who was fired for a social media post. The lawsuit claimed her First Amendment rights were violated when state officials terminated her employment over a meme related to Charlie Kirk. The settlement includes compensation for back wages and damages, as well as a commitment from FWC to provide a neutral reference for Brown's future employment.
- ▪Brittney Brown was fired from her position at FWC after reposting a meme on her private Instagram account.
- ▪The settlement includes $275,000 in compensation for Brown, along with $210,000 in attorneys' fees.
- ▪The case revealed that claims made by FWC officials about operational disruption were fabricated.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Press Releases Civil Rights Lawyers Secure $485,000 Settlement for FWC Biologist Fired Over Charlie Kirk Social Media Post Brittney Brown Vindicated After State Terminated Her Employment for Constitutionally Protected Speech on Private Instagram Account May 21, 2026 10:50 am Share this page Media Contact ACLU of Florida Media Office, [email protected] TALLAHASSEE, FL – The ACLU of Florida announced today that Brown v. Young, the federal First Amendment lawsuit filed on behalf of former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologist Brittney Brown, has reached a $485,000 settlement.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ACLU of Florida.
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