Sexual Harassment Lawyer Wins Lawsuit Over Rejected Airport Ad

Megan Thomas' large billboard ad is now on display at Syracuse Hancock International Airport after she sued over the initial rejection.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:36am

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Megan Thomas, a lawyer specializing in sexual harassment cases, sued the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority after they rejected her proposed ad for her law firm. The ad featured the slogan 'When HR called it harmless flirting...we called it Exhibit A.' The airport initially said the wording was 'harsh' and 'threatening,' but a judge ruled in Thomas' favor, saying the slogan was no more misleading than other ads at the airport. The two sides reached a confidential settlement, and Thomas' ad is now displayed prominently at the airport, much larger than originally planned.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges women face in asserting their rights, even in professional settings. Thomas' lawsuit underscores the importance of protecting free speech, especially when it comes to addressing issues of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination.

The details

Thomas signed a contract last summer to place a small ad for her sexual harassment law firm at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The proposed ad slogan read: 'When HR called it harmless flirting...we called it Exhibit A.' However, the airport authority rejected the ad, claiming the wording was 'considered to be a bit harsh' and might be viewed as 'threatening' or 'intimidating' to men. Thomas then filed a federal lawsuit, arguing the airport's decision violated her First Amendment rights. A judge agreed, ruling that the slogan was no more misleading than other ads at the airport. The two sides reached a confidential settlement, and Thomas' ad is now displayed prominently at the airport, covering two large walls and featuring a large photo of Thomas.

  • Thomas signed the ad contract last summer.
  • The airport rejected the ad in August 2025.
  • Thomas filed the federal lawsuit in August 2025.
  • The judge ruled in Thomas' favor in January 2026.
  • The new, larger ad went up a few weeks ago.

The players

Megan Thomas

A lawyer specializing in sexual harassment cases who sued the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority after they rejected her proposed ad for her law firm.

Syracuse Regional Airport Authority

The organization that operates the Syracuse Hancock International Airport and initially rejected Thomas' ad.

Judge Anthony Brindisi

The judge who ruled in favor of Thomas, saying the airport's claim about the ad's wording was 'nonsense.'

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What they’re saying

“When the airport told me the First Amendment did not apply and that they could do what they liked, I realized I would need to bring a lawsuit. I understood that if I won this battle, it would protect not only my rights, but also the rights of other women who come after me.”

— Megan Thomas, Lawyer

“The judge's decision was unfortunate, but the settlement permits both parties to return focus to their core corporate purposes while preserving the authority's ability to manage and operate the airport.”

— Syracuse Regional Airport Authority

What’s next

Thomas says she has hired another attorney and plans to hire another office staffer to assist with the increased business her law firm has seen since the large ad went up at the airport.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges women face in asserting their rights, even in professional settings. Thomas' lawsuit underscores the importance of protecting free speech, especially when it comes to addressing issues of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination.