Emory in Atlanta Is Latest University to Crack Down on Protests
Pro-Palestinian protests on American campuses have led to clashes with police and numerous arrests, sparking debates on free speech and safety. [ more ]
'Let her speak!' USC campus reels after valedictorian's speech is canceled
The cancellation of a pro-Palestinian valedictorian's speech at USC sparked controversy and debates over student activism, free speech, antisemitism, and campus safety. [ more ]
Did USC set 'very bad precedent' by cancelling valedictorian speech over safety threats?
Universities struggle with balancing free expression and safety concerns, leading to the cancellation of speeches by both a Jewish and a Muslim student. [ more ]
Police Arrest More Than 100 Pro-Palestinian Protesters at Columbia University
New York police removed a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at Columbia University, arresting over 100 demonstrators, including Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter. [ more ]
White House condemns 'blatantly antisemitic' protests as agitators engulf Columbia University
The White House condemns anti-Israel protests at U.S. colleges, denouncing violence targeting Jewish students and communities as blatant antisemitism. [ more ]
Criticism, praise of Texas Gov. after dramatic use of troopers on protesters
Gov. Abbott called in state troopers to clear pro-Palestine protesters at the University of Texas, signaling his assertiveness and the response's impact. [ more ]
NYC mayor thinks your speech is an 'environmental' threat
New York City Mayor Eric Adams categorizes social media as an 'environmental' threat, which is seen as an attempt to limit free speech and information access.
The mayor's classification of social media as a threat is likely a deflection tactic to divert attention from his own legal issues and policy missteps. [ more ]
Judge rejects latest Trump attempt to delay New York criminal trial
An appeals court rejected Trump's request to delay his hush money criminal trial, marking the second denial in less than 24 hours.
His legal team's arguments were centered around a gag order violating Trump's free speech rights, while the prosecution emphasized the public interest in protecting the trial's integrity. [ more ]
Protected beeps? Supreme Court declines to decide if California may ticket drivers for honking a horn
Honking a car horn can be considered protected speech under the First Amendment in certain situations.
The Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal from a Californian who received a ticket for honking during a protest, arguing that anti-honking laws can be unconstitutional. [ more ]
Student Editorial Boards Rebuke College Officials for Protest Decisions
Student journalists cover campus debates over free speech and Israel-Hamas war protests, highlighting fears of harassment and doxxing stifling free speech. [ more ]
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Settlement shuts down Oklahoma State's bias response team
Oklahoma State University disbanded Bias Incidents Response Team due to settlement with Speech First, challenging bias reporting systems for free speech protection. [ more ]
At Berkeley, a protest at a dean's home tests the limits of free speech
The incident at Berkeley's law school involving pro-Palestinian students disrupting a dinner party at the dean's home highlights the complex nature of free speech rights in private settings. [ more ]
Germany cancels pro-Palestine event, bars entry to Gaza war witness
Authorities in Germany halted the Palestine Congress due to a banned speaker, sparking controversy over political activity and free speech rights. [ more ]
Russia's Putin signs law to seize assets of those who discredit military
Russian President Putin has signed a law allowing authorities to confiscate the assets of people convicted of spreading false information about the military.
The law also targets those convicted of publicly inciting extremist activities and calling for actions harmful to state security.
The law is part of a government crackdown on dissent and has been used extensively to silence Putin's critics. [ more ]
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Supreme Court hears arguments on First Amendment cases
The US Supreme Court is hearing a case on Biden administration's communication with social media companies during Covid-19 pandemic and free speech violation.
The legal question revolves around whether the US government unconstitutionally pressured social media platforms to censor users' speech by flagging posts. [ more ]
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The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aims to protect minors from online harm and promote privacy and safety settings for users under 18.
KOSA has garnered support from senators, children's groups, medical associations, and Snap, but faces opposition from civil rights groups over concerns of free speech censorship. [ more ]
He Cursed at a Police Officer. Now He's Caught in a Free Speech Fight.
The incident involving Tony Rupp at Chef's Restaurant led to a legal battle centered around First Amendment rights and free speech.
The case against the city and police commissioner could set a significant precedent regarding citizens' ability to criticize public officials. [ more ]
EFF to D.C. Circuit: The U.S. Government's Forced Disclosure of Visa Applicants' Social Media Identifiers Harms Free Speech and Privacy
The EFF filed an amicus brief to reverse a ruling on disclosing social media identifiers for visa applicants, citing privacy and free speech concerns. [ more ]
Takeaways From the Supreme Court Arguments on Social Media Laws
The Supreme Court heard arguments on First Amendment cases regarding internet company content moderation laws in Florida and Texas.
Both liberal and conservative justices expressed interest in further fact-finding on how the laws would operate before making a final decision. [ more ]
Don't Fall for the Latest Changes to the Dangerous Kids Online Safety Act
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has been amended but is still considered unconstitutional and a censorship bill.
KOSA grants government officials the power to decide what information can be shared online and still allows state attorneys general to target online services they don't like. [ more ]
Missouri School Employees Who Sued Over Optional Race Primer Get Dismissed As Frivolous
Two white employees of a Missouri school district claim that an anti-racism training violated their free speech rights.
A U.S. appeals court panel is unlikely to revive their claims as the training was not required and several people opted out without consequence. [ more ]
The ability to debate difficult subjects is in renewed peril due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Harvard and other universities have allowed other values to overshadow the core academic mission of research, intellectual inquiry, and teaching. [ more ]
Republicans in 20 states urge Supreme Court to uphold state social media laws
Republican officials from 20 states are supporting Florida and Texas in a Supreme Court battle over states' authority to regulate how social media firms moderate user-submitted content.
The states argue that they have the authority to prohibit social media platforms from censoring speech. [ more ]
Labour suspends London by-election candidate who said 'trans women are not female' after transphobia complaint
Laura Pascal, a Labour candidate in a by-election in Hackney, has been administratively suspended and is under investigation following complaints about her comments on social media.
The accusations are believed to be related to her tweets which stated that 'trans women are not female' and 'biological sex is a real thing.' [ more ]