In a notice of intent to file a lawsuit sent Friday to Brooklyn College and the City University of New York (CUNY), attorney Wylie Stecklow, representing the four independent reporters—Neil Constantine, Jon Farina, Michael Nigro, and Madison Swart—said campus public safety officers blocked their access even after they showed valid city-issued press credentials.

Stecklow argued that, unlike private institutions such as Columbia University, Brooklyn College—part of the public CUNY system—has a greater constitutional obligation to uphold the First Amendment.

“They are an extension of the state of New York and therefore bound to uphold the rights and protections guaranteed by both the U.S. Constitution and the New York State Constitution,” Stecklow said.

“If government officials get to decide when journalists can access newsworthy events, then press freedom doesn’t truly exist,” he added.

Spokespersons for Brooklyn College and the City University of New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment.