This is not a constitutional issue as the government is not involved and it is instead a property rights issue.
However, those who demanded the shirts be removed and those who removed the shirts are Nanny State Thug Wanna Be’s.
Sounds like plain old theft to me. Toss the thieves in jail.
From Amendment I of the US Constitution:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech...”
The part about Congress is irrelevant to this. The words “the freedom of speech” are important. They indicate the independent pre-existence of the right to free speech.
From the Declaration Of Independence:
“...that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.— That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...”
Arguably, Freedom of Speech is among the Rights Governments are instituted to secure therefore arguably the government (which includes Federal, State and Local levels) is (or should be) involved.
Now, please provide a similar position regarding your statement “it is instead a property rights issue” using similarly authoritative sources, and addressing property rights from both the “real property” and “personal property” aspects.
Also, please explain why government should not be involved in securing real and personal property rights.