Boise State University coffee shop wins $4M after eviction for pro-police stance

In October 2020, Sarah Fendley, the owner of Big City Coffee, was removed from her on-campus location at Boise State University after expressing her pro-police views on social media. This action followed a backlash against her display of a thin blue line sticker, which symbolizes support for law enforcement. Fendley’s support for the police was personal, as her then-fiancé, Sergeant Kevin Holtry, had been paralyzed in a gunfight. After being forced to close her shop, she filed a lawsuit against the university, seeking $10 million for damages. A jury ultimately ruled in her favor, awarding her $4 million, which included $3 million for lost business and emotional distress, and $1 million in punitive damages against the university's former vice president of student affairs. The case highlighted issues surrounding free speech and the consequences of expressing political views in a university setting. Fendley’s experience reflects broader tensions in society regarding law enforcement and public support for police, particularly in the context of recent protests and movements advocating for police reform. The ruling underscores the importance of First Amendment rights, especially in academic environments where diverse opinions are expected to coexist. The outcome of this case may have implications for other businesses and individuals who face backlash for their political beliefs, particularly in settings that are traditionally seen as liberal or progressive. It raises questions about the balance between free expression and community standards in public spaces.