City Threatens Suit over Use of Seal

Husband and wife podcast team, Michael and Erica Lynn, received a cease and desist letter from the City of Lansing when they used the official city seal without permission on a meme encouraging local residents to vote yes to a proposed city initiative. The couple believes the First Amendment protects their use of the seal.  

The City of Lansing disagrees and sent the couple a letter demanding they stop using the official seal. A city spokesperson said it was “inappropriate and riske[ed] confusing the residents.” The McLellan’s own Professor Nancy Costello weighed in, stating there were First Amendment concerns because “the city seal suggests the city endorses what [the podcasters] are putting forth and advocating for.”