The transit authority has indeed got the right to make rules as to what can go in the ads placed on its property. And the ads evidently violated their rules, as the article noted. So it's NOT a 'free speech' issue at all - and to pretend that it is is to misrepresent it.
Chapel Hill Transit advertising policy states that all political, religious, or issue related advertising must contain a conspicuous paid advertising disclaimer, which the Church of Reconciliation ads did not have. Davidson said the church is willing to comply with the condition in order to have the ads return to the buses.
The transit policy also reserves the right to exclude advertising in order to maintain an image of neutrality on political matters and other noncommercial issues that are the subject of public debate and concern.
Chapel Hill Transit advertising policy states that all political, religious, or issue related advertising must contain a conspicuous paid advertising disclaimer, which the Church of Reconciliation ads did not have. Davidson said the church is willing to comply with the condition in order to have the ads return to the buses.
The transit policy also reserves the right to exclude advertising in order to maintain an image of neutrality on political matters and other noncommercial issues that are the subject of public debate and concern.