An attorney specializing in sexual harassment cases has won a significant victory against a New York airport that initially refused to display her advertisement, resulting in an even more prominent placement of her message.
Megan Thomas entered into an advertising agreement last summer with Syracuse Hancock International Airport for a sign promoting her legal practice. Her proposed message stated: “When HR called it harmless flirting … we called it exhibit A,” but airport officials demanded she modify what they deemed overly aggressive language.
Rather than compromise, Thomas chose to take legal action. The advertisement is now displayed as originally written — and significantly larger than her initial plan called for.
The bright pink advertisement now covers two entire walls of the transportation facility and includes a large photograph of Thomas, according to initial reporting by Syracuse.com.
“When the airport told me the First Amendment did not apply and that they could do what they liked, I realized I would need to bring a lawsuit,” Thomas explained recently. “I understood that if I won this battle, it would protect not only my rights, but also the rights of other women who come after me.”
Thomas explained her strategic decision to advertise at the airport stemmed from numerous client reports of workplace sexual harassment occurring during business travel. She also sought maximum visibility for her message.
Her federal complaint, filed in August, alleged that the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority initially gave approval to her advertisement concept. However, she claims the authority reversed course the next day, informing her the slogan was “considered to be a bit harsh.”
During subsequent discussions, Thomas was reportedly told that airport leadership worried the proposed advertisement could appear “threatening” or “intimidating” to male travelers. A day later, an official cited concerns about potential community backlash and possible offense to local political figures as reasons for the rejection, her lawsuit stated.
Legal representatives for the SRAA argued in court filings that the authority had suggested alternative messages “that conveyed a similar message in a more professional and less misleading and disparaging manner.”
A federal judge rejected their reasoning regarding the slogan, describing the authority’s position as “nonsense” in a preliminary ruling issued in January.
Judge Anthony Brindisi compared Thomas’ advertisement to a Chick-fil-A promotion at the same airport featuring a cow and the text “Chikin 4 Din Makez U Grin,” noting it was no more misleading than suggesting “that chicken dinners will always make a person happy, or that cows can speak.”
Both parties agreed to a confidential settlement agreement following the judge’s decision. The enlarged advertisement was installed several weeks ago.
Thomas — who maintains an additional, smaller advertisement elsewhere in the airport — reports that inquiries to her Syracuse law office have increased dramatically since the new sign appeared. She has brought on an additional attorney and plans to hire more support staff.
The SRAA issued a statement Tuesday describing the court’s decision as “unfortunate” while noting the settlement “permits both parties to return focus to their core corporate purposes while preserving the authority’s ability to manage and operate the airport.”
