At Fiedler Law Firm, we believe that constitutional rights don’t stop at the workplace door. That’s why Attorney Madison Fiedler-Carlson, along with the whole FLF team, are proud to represent Maria Ruhtenberg, a longtime Iowa public defender who was fired after posting personal comments on social media.
After 15 years of dedicated service, Maria was fired for remarks she made on her own time and as a private citizen. We think that’s wrong, and we’re fighting to make it right. While Maria’s case is her own experience fighting for her own First Amendment rights, it’s also about all Iowans’ rights and the principle that public employees should not be punished for expressing opinions on matters of public concern, especially outside of work.
Attorney represented Maria during her internal appeal. On November 17, Maria won, obtaining an order requiring the State to give Maria her job back. That was a great first step, but what happened to Maria should never have happened to begin with, so the fight isn’t over. Maria’s case seeks government accountability and reinforces a critical message: government employers must respect constitutional protections. Free speech matters, and we’re committed to defending it.
If you believe your rights have been violated—whether through wrongful termination, retaliation, or discrimination—contact Fiedler Law Firm today. We fight to make sure the voices of employees are heard. Visit us to fill out a confidential intake form.
Click *here* to learn more about Maria’s case from local news sources.