Monday, January 30, 2017
#FreeSpeech in the News: Jan. 30, 2017
As the Citadel of Free Speech here in Cleveland, we work to protect and promote the basis of our democracy by sharing related stories, commentary, and opinions on free speech in the 21st century. Here's what's making the news - and what you should know about - this week.
“In this case, we have an inquiry that is spinning far beyond the original speech, trying to get access to a journalistic work product that has not been published… That raised a very clear potential first amendment issue when it comes to journalist’s ability to protect their own work product.”
Crackdown on man who trolled Trump went too far, free speech experts say, The Guardian
“In Australia, we do not actually have an explicit constitutional right to free speech, as is provided for in the United States by the First Amendment. Despite this, we do enjoy a great level of freedom of speech. It’s a wonderful thing. I appreciate that comment is free. I understand that encouraging discussion is a crucial part (if not, the most crucial aspect) of democracy.”
Free Speech Comes At A Cost, The Huffington Post Australia
“The idea that Simon & Schuster actually wanted a staid work of social science is absurd.”
Book Publishing Is Not a Good Champion of Free Speech, New Republic
“What’s happening is a truly amazing spread of state legislation that, if passed, will have the intent or impact of criminalizing peaceful protests.”
Bills targeting protests in U.S. states fuel free speech fears, Reuters
“But the experience of other countries suggests his campaign of disinformation and legitimization is more nefarious. Norms protecting freedom of information, speech and the press are essential for a functioning democracy; the Trump, they are a threat.”
Trump’s Anti-Democratic War on Facts and Free Speech, Rolling Stone
“Even blasphemy and hate speech are protected in order to preserve our essential freedom. This can be difficult, but it’s been key to helping America prevent tyranny and evolve.”
An important lesson at the UW on free speech, The Seattle Times
