Hunter
10/17/25
The Iowa City State Historical Society discussed a motion for a temporary injunction at the Johnson County Courthouse Tuesday, continuing a lawsuit filed by Iowa City plaintiffs due to the forced closure of the society because of funding being cut by the state legislature.
The Daily Iowan reports the plaintiffs, composed of several historians, professors, and former Iowa City State Historical members, are seeking the injunction to halt any action currently being taken by the state to remove exhibits from the archive until a final verdict is reached.
In an interview with the student newspaper, plaintiff Mary Bennett said she hopes the injunction would stop the state from continuing to remove exhibits from the society. The group is citing irreparable harm, such as emotional distress and possible harm to the exhibits.
The larger lawsuit features a petition signed by over 7500 community members and several affidavits from members of the community directly involved with the center.
In court, the defense argued the plaintiffs did not exhaust all administrative efforts or follow traditional policy before filing the motion in court, such as going through the Department of Administrative Services. They also argued that parts of the lawsuit were filed incorrectly.
The DI reports Judge Kevin McKeever said he would take the matter under advisement and deliver a verdict “very soon.”