Tag

Freespeech

All articles tagged with #freespeech

us-news12 hours ago•3 min saved

Ball State settles free-speech lawsuit over Charlie Kirk post for $225K

The ACLU announced Ball State University will pay $225,000 to Suzanne Swierc to settle a federal suit claiming firing her over a private Facebook post criticizing Charlie Kirk violated her First Amendment rights, since she spoke as a private citizen on a matter of public concern. Ball State says the post caused significant campus disruption and backlash, while the university’s president described the settlement as a modest payment compared with litigation. The case fits a broader pattern of employees at public and private entities receiving six-figure settlements after posting about Kirk.

via NBC News|

#ballstateuniversity #firstamendment #freespeech

politics2 months ago•2 min saved

FCC’s Iran War Coverage Threat Sparks Bipartisan Backlash Over Free Speech

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr warns broadcasters could lose licenses if they air what he calls “fake news” about the Iran war, prompting Republican Sen. Ron Johnson to push back and prompting Democrats like Elizabeth Warren and Gov. Gavin Newsom to accuse the threat of censorship; Carr doubles down on the public-interest rationale, while critics say such threats trample the First Amendment and note the FCC’s limited power to enforce them.

via The Guardian|

#fcc #firstamendment #freespeech

world3 months ago•8 min saved

Olympic Voices: Athletes Weigh In on American Policy

At the Milan-Cortina Olympics, American athletes publicly weigh in on U.S. policy and immigration, with Kenworthy’s bold ICE protest drawing mixed reactions while peers like Chloe Kim and Mikaela Shiffrin advocate respectful dialogue, underscoring that the Games are a venue for nuanced political expression, not apoliticism.

via The Washington Post|

#freespeech #guskenworthy #immigration

politics7 months ago•1 min saved

US Revokes Visas of Six Foreigners Over Charlie Kirk Criticism

The US State Department revoked visas of foreigners who celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination, citing concerns over threats to free speech and political violence, following Kirk's death and a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom award.

via Politico|

#charliekirk #freespeech #politicalviolence

politics2 years ago•4 min saved

"Belgian Court Overturns Shutdown Order, Allowing NatCon Conservative Conference to Resume"

The Belgian court has ruled in favor of the National Conservatism Conference, allowing it to resume without interference from state authorities after being shut down due to its "ethically conservative" beliefs on abortion, marriage, and the EU. The court upheld the right to peaceful assembly and free speech, criticizing the attempt to shut down the conference as a threat to fundamental freedoms. The decision was supported by ADF International, and concerns were raised about censorship and political pressure on conservative viewpoints in Europe.

via ADF International|

#adfinternational #belgium #censorship

politics2 years ago•1 min saved

Russian Parliament to Debate Confiscating Property of Army Critics

Russia is set to debate a bill that would allow the confiscation of money, property, and valuables from individuals convicted of spreading "fakes" about its army, with the support of major parliamentary factions. This move comes after Moscow made criticism of the military illegal following its assault on Ukraine, and aims to punish those who "pour mud" on the country, soldiers, and officers involved in the special military operation. The charge of spreading "false information" about the army already carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 15 years, and has been used to stifle dissent.

via The Moscow Times|

#army #freespeech #legislation

world-news2 years ago•7 min saved

"Palestinians Face Online Harassment for Social Media Activity"

Following the Oct. 7th attacks, Israel has intensified its crackdown on social media posts that are perceived to support Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups. Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel have reported being arrested and facing abuse with little evidence of wrongdoing. The crackdown has raised concerns about the proportionality of Israel's response and the future of free speech in the region. Human rights organizations and lawyers argue that the measures are excessive and could lead to further unrest.

via PBS NewsHour|

##freespeech #humanrights

sportssocial-issues2 years ago•4 min saved

Kyrie Irving Clarifies Stance on Rabbi's Pro-Jewish Sign Incident at Jazz Game

During a Utah Jazz game, Rabbi Avremi Zippel and others were told to put away their signs stating "I'm a Jew and I'm proud" after a complaint allegedly from NBA player Kyrie Irving, known for past antisemitic controversies. The Jazz later claimed the issue was the disruptive interaction caused by the signs, not their content. Irving's representatives have denied he complained, raising questions about who did and why. The incident has sparked a debate on free speech and the appropriateness of messages at sports events, highlighting the tension between expressions of identity and perceived disruptions.

via Salt Lake Tribune|

##antisemitism #freespeech

sportssocial-issues2 years ago•3 min saved

"Utah Jazz Respond to Controversy Over Removal of Rabbis' 'I'm a Jew and I'm Proud' Signs at Irving Game"

During a Utah Jazz game against the Dallas Mavericks, a group of rabbis were asked to remove signs stating "I'm a Jew and I'm proud" after Kyrie Irving, a Mavericks player previously suspended for sharing antisemitic content, found them distracting. The Jazz organization stated the removal was due to the signs causing a disruption, not their content, but Rabbi Avremi Zippel expressed disappointment over the team's handling of the situation. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding antisemitism in sports and society.

via NBC News|

##antisemitism #freespeech

entertainment2 years ago•5 min saved

"Dave Chappelle's 'The Dreamer' Sparks Controversy and Division on Netflix"

Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special, "The Dreamer," has drawn criticism from liberal media critics for its jokes about the transgender community, continuing a pattern that has previously sparked backlash and protests. Critics from Rolling Stone, Variety, and BuzzFeed have accused Chappelle of being "obsessed" with the topic and lacking nuance in his humor. Conservative commentators argue that the outrage is manufactured for clicks and an attack on free speech, suggesting that making fun of all communities is a form of inclusion and equality in comedy. Despite the controversy, Chappelle continues to receive laughter from audiences and has recently won a Grammy for best comedy album, which also faced criticism from entertainment outlets.

via Fox News|

##comedycontroversy #davechappelle

educationcontroversy2 years ago•1 min saved

University Chancellor Dismissed for Participating in Adult Films with Spouse

Dr. Joe Gow, the Chancellor of Wisconsin-La Crosse University, was dismissed from his position after participating in vegan-themed adult films with his wife on OnlyFans. Gow argues that his termination infringes on his right to free speech, claiming he was not given due process or informed of any specific policy violation. University President Jay Rothman condemned the content as inappropriate for someone in Gow's leadership role. An independent law firm is investigating the matter.

via The US Sun|

##academicleadership #educationcontroversy

legalcontroversy2 years ago•4 min saved

"Ex-Chancellor Sues University Claiming Wrongful Termination Over Private Adult Films"

Former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow was fired after pornographic videos with his wife surfaced online, which he claims is a violation of his First Amendment rights. The UW Board of Regents unanimously voted to terminate Gow, citing reputational harm to the university. Gow argues that he was given no due process and that his actions are protected under the principles of free speech and academic freedom. The university has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

via Fox News|

##academicfreedom #freespeech

law-and-government2 years ago•3 min saved

"Elon Musk's X Loses Legal Challenge Against California Content Moderation Disclosure Law"

A federal judge has ruled against Elon Musk's attempt to avoid complying with a California content moderation law, which mandates social media companies to disclose their content moderation practices. The law, Assembly Bill 587, aims to reduce misinformation and hate speech online and requires companies with over $100 million in revenue to submit reports starting in 2024. Musk's company, X Corp., argued the law was unconstitutional, but the judge found they were unlikely to succeed on the merits of their challenge. Musk has faced criticism for his handling of content moderation on Twitter, particularly after reinstating controversial figures like Alex Jones.

via HuffPost|

##californialaw #contentmoderation

law-and-government2 years ago•2 min saved

"New Law Triggers Porn Site Access Blockade in North Carolina"

Pornhub has blocked access to its site for users in Montana in response to a new law requiring age verification to view adult content. Montana Senate Bill 544 mandates that individuals must prove they are at least 18 years old using methods like government-issued ID, which Pornhub argues compromises user safety and privacy. The law, which passed with bipartisan support and is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, has sparked debate over privacy and free speech rights. This move by Pornhub reflects ongoing legal disputes in the U.S. regarding access to sexually explicit material online.

via Newsweek|

##ageverification #freespeech

legalcontroversy2 years ago•1 min saved

"Ex-UWL Chancellor Contemplates Lawsuit Over Firing for Adult Content Creation"

Former UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow was terminated by the Board of Regents for producing and appearing in pornographic videos with his wife, which the university claims caused reputational harm. Gow argues that his activities, which did not involve the university or violate any stated policies, are expressions of free speech and is considering legal action against the board for what he perceives as a wrongful termination.

via WEAU|

##freespeech #joegow