September 5, 1997

On September 3 Mainstream Loudoun mailed a letter of demand to the Loudoun Library Board of Trustees in which we requested that the board reconsider and rescind the restrictive new Internet use policy. The letter restated our concerns with the adopted policy and included suggested changes that would make the policy reasonable and fair. Several strong legal arguments that outlined the consitutional problems with the policy were also included.

Elaine Williamson, Library Committee Chair said, “It is our sincere belief that those who supported this policy, although well-meaning, lacked the information necessary to make an informed judgment about either its soundness or its legality. We hope that after the Board is fully informed of the facts, and with due regard to the County's potential legal exposure, the Library Board will make the right decision.

If the Library Board does not rescind the Internet use policy, Mainstream Loudoun is prepared to pursue whatever legal remedies that are available to vindicate the constitutional rights of the citizens of Loudoun County. “We have consulted with lawyers at the law firm of Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P. and People for the American Way, who will assist us in this regard,” said Williamson.

The Internet use policy is subject to challenge on First Amendment grounds in federal court under the Civil Rights Act and should a challenger prevail on a First Amendment claim, Loudoun County would be liable for that party's attorney's fees.