Monday, July 23, 2018
#FREESPEECH IN THE NEWS: JULY 23, 2018
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 – in the past week.
1.) Experts talk hate speech, free speech at meeting
An uptick in hate crimes in Eugene, Oregon, has led city leaders to take a closer look at what defines free speech and hate speech.
During a meeting with leaders and the community, it was stressed that hate speech is defined by speech that causes harm, incites violence and denies people their rights. The problem is in defining what harm, inciting violence and denying people rights looks like legally.
The increase in hate crimes in Eugene is one of the largest increases in the country, with 59 crimes reported in 2017 overall and 89 already in 2018.
2.) Zuckerberg defends Facebook users' right to be wrong – even Holocaust deniers
The founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, has reignited what free speech and users’ rights after clarifying how the platform plans to regulate what’s posted.
Zuckerberg says he does not plan to outright censor users based on subject matter—event Holocaust deniers—but will take greater strides in limiting distribution their content. Opponents of this solution say this is still a form of censorships and will only make those with these messages even more adept at posting their views without consequence in response.
Zuckerberg’s comments come after the platform rolled out new guidelines for posting. The new policy includes a pledge to remove misinformation, and messages encouraging physical harm.
3.) Fire Union Files Federal Free Speech Lawsuit Against City
The city of San Antonio is facing a federal lawsuit over the “free speech areas” at city libraries.
The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association says city is violating their first amendment rights by preventing union petitioners from entering libraries in the city. The union has been collecting signatures for its charter amendment petitions when they were told they could not stand near front doors.
The city says libraries have designated areas for political activity. The policy has been in place since 2013 to keep access to the library for patrons.
