The Arthur W. Page Society has joined with other public relations organizations in agreeing to submit 'Friend of the Court' briefs in Nike, Inc.'s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to reaffirm the First Amendment right of companies to speak out on public issues that are related to their business.

The appeal of the California Supreme Court ruling that sharply reduces the free speech rights of businesses and other groups was filed Monday, October 14. The PR industry brief is being prepared by Debevoise & Plimpton of New York City, and will be reviewed by the Society's executive committee before it is filed. Other PR Coalition members who have agreed to be part of the filing include the Council of Public Relations Firms, the Institute for Public Relations, Public Relations Society of America, and the Public Affairs Council.

The California Supreme Court ruling in Nike v Kasky has drawn widespread media attention including the Wall Street Journal, which wrote in an editorial that "The rest of the business community would do well to follow this case, because a Nike defeat will make everyone vulnerable."

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