In 2021, we granted $15,000 to fund the class action lawsuit Thunderhawk v. County of Morton, filed by Initiative for a Just Society, Center for Contemporary Critical Thought, at Columbia Law School on behalf of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe members. This lawsuit sought to redress the harm caused when the Morton County Sheriff’s Office closed the main road between the Standing Rock Reservation and the city of Bismarck, which was done to obstruct pipeline protestors’ access to the DAPL construction site.
While white residents of the area, pipeline construction workers, and private security employed by the pipeline company were allowed access to the closed portions of the highway, members of the Standing Rock tribe were forced to take much longer routes for basic amenities such as food and medicine. By closing the highway, local law enforcement repressed the speech, assembly, and prayer of both pipeline protestors and the Standing Rock tribe members.
Thunderhawk v. County of Morton is in active litigation. The defendant moved to dismiss the case for a number of reasons, including a qualified immunity defense. The district court denied the motion.
After the District of North Dakota denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss the suit based on qualified immunity, the defendant appealed this decision. The Eighth Circuit vacated the district court’s decision with respect to the portion denying defendants’ motion to dismiss based on qualified immunity. The Eighth Circuit has remanded the case to the district court to reevaluate the qualified immunity defense.
The case is currently being reevaluated by the District Court of North Dakota.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
