The Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library is being sued by a patron who refuses to toe the line when it comes to the library’s policy banning bare feet. U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley said that he is considering kicking the case out of court before it goes to trial, according to the February 23 Columbus Dispatch. Software developer Robert Neinast claims in the suit that the library is restricting a healthy lifestyle and his First Amendment right to go barefoot in a public building.
Library attorney Philomena M. Dane stated in court that the library is not censoring anyone, but the policy is in place to protect patrons’ feet and avoid injury lawsuits. Beyond the risk of a stubbed toe, Dane added that broken glass, blood, feces, and semen have all been found on library floors at different times.
Posted March 4, 2002.