Freedom of Speech Win! What now?
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” ― S.G. Tallentyre, The Friends of Voltaire
Big City Coffee in Boise has won its lawsuit against Boise State University Administrators. Sarah Jo Fendley, the owner of Big City Coffee, won her lawsuit with $3 million in damages.
During the COVID disaster and the craziness in 2020, when “mostly peaceful” riots across our country occurred, cities burned, small businesses were destroyed, churches shut down, bars closed, and a pattern that free speech was allowed only if that “free speech” fit a particular narrative was established.
Big City Coffee had a coffee shop on the Boise State University campus and a few others in the local area. The Thin Blue Line Flag was hung up for all to see at their off-campus locations, supporting law enforcement.
On the BSU campus, some administrators didn’t like the off-campus Big City Coffee’s stance on having the thin blue line flag up, which created immense pressure to shut down the on-campus coffee shop.
Sarah Jo Fendley, the owner of Big City Coffee, was pressured to close the on-campus location. Standing strong for her First Amendment rights, she filed a lawsuit claiming BSU violated her rights and discriminated against her.
After years of court battles and financial strain on the Coffee Shop, they were victorious; Big City Coffee Shop won the lawsuit. This is also a win for free speech for every citizen in Idaho!
Boise State University receives millions of taxpayer dollars every year. Again, the decision to file this lawsuit shows a failure at Boise State University, and I firmly believe that a very close evaluation of their budget must occur. Do you want your tax dollars to be spent in this way? Do you want to fund an institution where only one point of view is accepted?
Boise State University has bloated its budget yearly, especially in the past five years. Just look at the massive increases shown by Idaho’s Legislative Service Office.
Boise State University funds DEI, wasting taxpayers $$$. According to the Idaho Freedom Foundation, Boise State University spends at least $2.7 Million annually on this failed, racist, radical idea.
This lawsuit is a win for free speech and pushing back against the radical agenda we are seeing more of in our university system. The solution to returning to real education and eliminating the bloat on our university campuses is easy:
We must eliminate DEI funding from all education institutions in Idaho, particularly universities and colleges.
This would save Idahoans millions annually and improve our young people's education.
I will watch the education budgets in the Idaho legislature this coming session. Feel free to monitor the JFAC committee, and please let me know your thoughts on all funding issues in our state.
Information on all spending in Idaho can be found at:
Typically, the funding bills hit the legislature toward the end of the session. Do not wait to engage in the process; JFAC meets almost every weekday during the session. Things typically move fast when these bills hit the House and Senate chambers.
The calendar for the day will be available online at:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/joint/jfac/
I believe that the states' power will decide our country's future.
I will work to protect our state's sovereignty and achieve the Idaho First Agenda.
God Bless,
Christy Zito
Candidate LD8
“We need patriots who will serve in our state capitals to fight federal overreach and stand firm against those — in both parties — who prioritize seizing political power over representing constituents.” (State Freedom Caucus Network)
INFORMED VOTERS: Please show up in droves on Nov 5 (avoid mail-in ballots). Low voter turnout could turn Idaho into CA, WA, OR, and all other states that are heading downhill toward all that DEI promises.
- District 8: Elect Christy Zito, Faye Thompson, and Rob Beiswenger
- Boise County: Re-elect Sheriff Scott Turner.
- Ada County. Elect a true Constitutional Sheriff, Doug Traubel.
- All Idaho Counties: Defeat Proposition 1 and pass HJR5 Constitutional Amendment.
- National elections: Defeat communism and fascism.
More details: Idaho Voting Guide (detailed with overview, updated as new info become available): https://open.substack.com/pub/eolson47/p/idaho-voting-guide-updated-91423