SYRACUSE, NY – A federal judge has ruled that the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority violated the First Amendment rights of an employment law firm when it refused to allow the firm to purchase advertising space at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

U.S. District Judge Anthony Brindisi issued the decision in Megan Thomas Law, PLLC v. Syracuse Regional Airport Authority et al., granting a preliminary injunction that requires the airport to permit the firm’s advertisement while the case proceeds. The court simultaneously denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss, finding that the law firm demonstrated a likelihood of success on its free speech claim.

The plaintiff, Megan Thomas Law, PLLC, specializes in workplace discrimination and sexual harassment cases. In June 2025, the firm’s founder, Megan Katherine Thomas, contacted airport officials seeking to post a billboard promoting her firm’s legal services. According to court filings, the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA), led by CEO Jason Terreri and Chief Commercial Officer Jason Mehl, denied the request, allegedly on the grounds that the proposed advertisement was “too controversial” and “inconsistent with airport policy.”

Thomas filed suit in October 2025, claiming that the airport’s refusal amounted to unlawful viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment. The firm argued that the airport routinely sells advertising space to commercial entities and should not be permitted to reject ads based on their subject matter or perceived political sensitivity.

In granting the injunction, Judge Brindisi found that the SRAA’s advertising spaces constitute a limited public forum and that its rejection of the law firm’s ad was likely unconstitutional. “The government may not restrict access to advertising space based on disapproval of a message addressing workplace discrimination or harassment,” the decision stated.

The ruling temporarily prevents the airport from enforcing its advertising ban against Thomas’s firm and orders officials to permit the display while the lawsuit continues. The broader case will now proceed toward discovery and potential trial to determine whether the airport’s advertising policy violates constitutional protections for commercial speech.

Key Points: Judge orders Syracuse airport to allow law firm’s discrimination ad after First Amendment fight – Syracuse

Judge Anthony Brindisi granted a preliminary injunction requiring the airport to display Megan Thomas Law’s advertisement.
The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority’s refusal to approve the ad likely violated the First Amendment.
The law firm focuses on workplace discrimination and harassment cases and sought equal access to airport advertising space.

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