Media Advisory

for further information:
Joe White (413) 774-4080
cellular (413) 773-0555

Bob Schaeffer (239) 395-6773

WHAT:
Final arguments in First Amendment lawsuit charging the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) with illegally barring advertisements questioning current marijuana laws from the Boston-area transit system

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 30, 2002 2:00pm

WHERE:
Moakley Federal Courthouse, Boston -- District Judge Keeton's courtroom (#3)

WHO:
Change the Climate, a Greenfield, Massachusetts based non-profit organization, which has already run similar advertisements on the Washington, D.C. Metro and on the multi-campus website dailyjolt.com.

The American Civil Liberties Union is representing Change the Climate. Noted attorney Harvey Schwartz will argue the case.

WHY:
The MBTA has lost several previous lawsuits challenging its legal right to determine the political content of ads which can be displayed on its property. This case, the first to go to trial in federal court, will set a precedent for future advertising on the bus, subway and streetcar system.

Change the Climate was founded by parents and business professionals to educate the public about the costs of the "war on marijuana." The campaign uses billboards and other forms of mass advertising to deliver graphic messages designed to "de-demonize" private marijuana use by adults.

Sample Change the Climate ads may be viewed at www.changetheclimate.org/ads/.