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Lynchburg Councilman Loses Bid to Revive Lawsuit Over 2021 Termination
Martin Misjuns' lawsuit against the city over his firing from the fire department has been dismissed.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:19pm
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The legal battle over a Lynchburg councilman's termination exposes the complex interplay between free speech, workplace policies, and local government.Lynchburg TodayLynchburg City Councilman Martin Misjuns has lost his latest effort to revive a federal lawsuit connected to his 2021 termination from the city's fire department. Misjuns was fired over Facebook posts targeting transgender people and later sued the city, claiming his rights were violated. A federal judge has now denied Misjuns' request to reopen the case, ruling he waited too long to present new evidence and that the evidence would not change the outcome.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing tensions around free speech, social media policies, and LGBTQ+ rights in the public sector. Misjuns' termination and subsequent lawsuit have drawn attention to how local governments navigate these complex issues involving their employees.
The details
In 2021, Misjuns was fired from his position with the Lynchburg Fire Department over controversial Facebook posts he had made targeting transgender people. Misjuns later filed a federal lawsuit against the city, claiming his rights had been violated. However, a federal judge initially dismissed the lawsuit, citing a lack of evidence. Misjuns then attempted to reopen the case and present new evidence, but the judge has now denied that request, ruling that Misjuns waited too long and that the new evidence would not change the outcome.
- Misjuns was terminated from the Lynchburg Fire Department in 2021.
- Misjuns filed a federal lawsuit against the city in 2021 following his termination.
- A federal judge initially dismissed Misjuns' lawsuit in 2022 for lack of evidence.
- Misjuns recently attempted to reopen the case in 2026, but the judge denied his request.
The players
Martin Misjuns
A Lynchburg City Councilman who was terminated from his position with the Lynchburg Fire Department in 2021 over controversial Facebook posts targeting transgender people.
City of Lynchburg
The local government in Lynchburg, Virginia that terminated Misjuns from his fire department job and was sued by him over the decision.
What they’re saying
“We must uphold the rights of all our employees, regardless of their personal views. This decision is a setback, but we remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.”
— Lynchburg Mayor
What’s next
Misjuns has indicated he may appeal the judge's latest ruling, but legal experts say his chances of success are slim given the previous dismissal of the case.
The takeaway
This case underscores the complex balance local governments must strike between protecting free speech rights and maintaining professional conduct standards for public employees. The outcome highlights the challenges cities face in navigating these sensitive issues in the social media era.
