Does a Sticker on a Classroom Door Violate the Constitution?
Two Lincoln families have asked a Lancaster County judge to declare Nebraska's public school funding unconstitutional. Their theory is that education is speech, that the state compels it and then funds only its own version — and the evidence they plead for that "government orthodoxy" is, in substantial part, a sticker on a classroom door. I'm reading this one as a lawyer and as a gay man with a kid at LPS, and I want to be clear about both. Here's what the case argues, and why I think it fails.
Can the U.S. Deny a Visa Based on Social Media? Legal Insights for Immigrants, Activists, and Attorneys
Can the U.S. really deny or revoke a visa because of someone’s social media posts? Recent cases suggest it can—and that raises serious legal and constitutional questions. This article explains how U.S. immigration law treats online speech, what the “consular nonreviewability” doctrine means for appeals, and how attorneys and applicants can protect themselves when digital expression meets visa policy.
Can I Be Fired for What I Say? A Guide to Free Speech at Work in Nebraska
Many Nebraskans believe the First Amendment protects them from being fired for what they say at work or on social media. The truth is more complicated. In Nebraska, most private employees have limited speech protections because of at-will employment, though exceptions exist under federal law, whistleblower statutes, and Nebraska’s public policy exception. Public employees do have First Amendment rights, but courts balance those rights against workplace efficiency. This post explains how free speech at work really works in Nebraska and answers the most common questions employees have about their rights.
Did the FCC Cross the Line with Jimmy Kimmel? A First Amendment Breakdown
When Jimmy Kimmel’s show was pulled after controversial remarks, it wasn’t just a media story—it became a First Amendment test case. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s threats to broadcasters highlight the danger of government “jawboning,” where pressure on private companies effectively silences speech. This issue isn’t limited to Hollywood; Nebraska courts apply the same constitutional protections, making it a matter of concern for anyone who values free expression.
Do Children Have to Represent Themselves in U.S. Immigration Court?
In August 2025, migrant children as young as three appeared in Tucson immigration court without lawyers after federal legal aid funding was cut. This post explains what happened, why unaccompanied minors are so vulnerable in immigration court, and what families can do to protect a child facing deportation.
Is the Federal Ban on Gender-Affirming Care Legal? A Lawyer’s Personal and Legal Perspective
In August 2025, the Trump administration announced a directive through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that will ban gender-affirming care for millions of federal employees and their families starting in 2026. As a Nebraska attorney—and as a survivor of conversion therapy—I break down the legal implications of this ban, why it conflicts with federal civil rights law, and what steps those affected can take to protect their rights.
Nebraska’s New ICE Detention Center in McCook: What It Means for Due Process, Families, and Communities
Nebraska’s first ICE detention center is coming to McCook, and it’s raising tough questions. Advocates warn it could mean prolonged detention, limited access to lawyers, family separation, and community disruption. With 280 beds and deep ties to federal programs like 287(g), this facility represents a major shift in Nebraska’s immigration landscape. In this post, we break down what the McCook center means for due process, families, and the state’s future.
ICE Detains L.A. Teen Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz: What This Case Means for Immigrant Families in Nebraska
When 18-year-old Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz was detained by ICE in California, it made national headlines. But the legal issues in his case—due process rights, student protections, and family hardship—aren’t unique to Los Angeles. They apply here in Nebraska too. Families in Omaha, Lincoln, and across the state face the same risks when ICE takes action. In this post, we break down what happened, explain how federal law applies locally, and outline what Nebraska families should know if a loved one is detained.
Can Women Be Sued for Posting About Men on the Tea Dating App?
Worried about getting sued for posting on the Tea dating app? This post breaks down Nebraska defamation law, your rights when sharing personal experiences online, and how to protect yourself legally while speaking up. We cover truth as a defense, platform liability, and why this issue matters for women’s safety and free expression.
Corporate Censorship or Business Strategy? A Legal Look at Colbert’s Late Show Cancellation
Why did CBS cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—and does it raise legal red flags? This article breaks down what the First Amendment really protects, how corporate media decisions intersect with free speech, and what it means when a politically outspoken voice disappears from primetime. If you’re wondering where the law draws the line between business and censorship, this is for you.
Judge Blocks ICE Deportation of Transgender Asylum Seeker: Why Due Process Still Matters
When a transgender woman seeking asylum was arrested by ICE just minutes after her court hearing, a federal judge stepped in to halt her deportation. But the case raises bigger questions—about due process, government overreach, and the safety of LGBTQ+ immigrants in detention. Read more about what happened, what it means, and why legal support still matters.
First Amendment or Force? The Legal Fallout from Senator Padilla’s Removal
When a sitting U.S. senator is removed in handcuffs for asking questions at a public event, it’s not just political theater—it’s a warning. Senator Alex Padilla’s removal from Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference raises serious legal concerns about free speech, executive power, and public accountability. This post breaks down the legal issues, why they matter, and what it means for the rest of us.
Supreme Court Confronts Transgender Healthcare Ban: What’s at Stake in U.S. v. Skrmetti
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in United States v. Skrmetti, a pivotal case challenging Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The outcome will have a direct impact on LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare access, and parental rights—not just in Tennessee, but here in Nebraska and across the country. Here’s what you need to know, and why it matters.
Know Your Rights: ICE Encounters, Immigration Stops, and Protesting Safely
Learn your rights during ICE visits, immigration stops, and public protests. Stay informed, protected, and ready to act when it matters most.
Meyer v. Nebraska: What a Century-Old Case Says About Liberty, Education, and the Direction We're Headed
In 1923, a Nebraska law banning foreign language education led to a Supreme Court decision that reshaped our understanding of liberty. This post explores Meyer v. Nebraska, how it laid the groundwork for key civil rights rulings, and why its lessons about personal freedom and educational choice are more urgent than ever—especially as new political movements attempt to roll those rights back.
Please note:
The content on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
For personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances,
it's always best to connect with a qualified attorney.