Anthony Griffin and the Ku Klux Klan

Description of the Art Work: This case involves Anthony Griffin, a 39-year-old black attorney , who was fired from his job as general counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Texas.
Description of incident: Griffin was fired from his job after he accepted an invitation by the Texas American Civil Liberties Union to help defend the case of 44-year-old Michael Lowe, Grand Dragon of the Texas Realm of the Ku Klux Klan. Lowe is fighting a court order to turn over his group's membership lists, finances and other documentation. Griffin said Lowe "was shocked. He had no idea," the attorney working on his case was black prior to their first meeting. Griffin said: "I don't like the Klan. But if I don't stand up and defend the Klan's right to free speech, my right to free speech will be gone."
Results of incident: Griffin was fired by the NAACP, and continues to appeal Lowe's case. Lowe was held in contempt of court for refusing to turn over KKK documents on November 22, 1993. Griffin says the case could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, but will probably be kicked out by a Texas appeals court or the state Supreme Court.

Source: Gauntlet #7; Chicago Tribune 10/3/93