Monday, September 17, 2018
#FREESPEECH IN THE NEWS: SEPTEMBER 17, 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.) Federal lawsuit suggests Washington cyberstalking law violates free speech
A Facebook dispute turned federal lawsuit in Seattle, Washington is threatening to overturn state law.
Richard Lee Rynearson III and his neighbor, Clarence Moriwaki, were arguing about the War War II detentions of Japanese Americans on Moriwaki’s Facebook page. Moriwaki blocked his neighbor, who then began making comments about him instead. Feeling threatened, Moriwaki requested a restraining order against Rynearson.
The order was approved citing the state’s cyberstalking law, which Rynearson and his lawyer believe the laws application in his case is infringing on his first amendment right to free speech. He believes the state cyberstalking law is too broad and does not clearly delineate between harassment and threatening behavior, and merely critical comments.
2.) Professor files free speech lawsuit against Poly
A professor at Florida Polytechnic University has filed a lawsuit against the school after her contract was not renewed. Christina Drake says the decision to not renew her contract was retaliation for speaking out about mental health issues at the university.
On August 4, the Tampa Bay Times published an article about a student committing suicide, which occurred shortly after a mental health counselor had been laid off. Drake was quoted in the article stating the school had inadequate mental health care, and the climate at the school was ripe for mental health issues among students. She was notified she would not be returning for the current academic year on August 15.
“Plaintiff’s interest in publicly speaking out about the appearance of retaliation against whistleblowers and union members, the quality of the University’s library system, and the University’s adequate provision of student mental health services outweighs any legitimate interest that the University might have in suppressing free speech,” the lawsuit states.
3.) 'Confession of sedition' or expression of free speech? Debate over op-ed continues
President Donald Trump has called for an investigation after an op-ed from an anonymous government official was published in the New York Times last week.
“We’re just saying that this gives a great level of concern, and they should look into it,” Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at a briefing Monday.
In the article, the unnamed source states they are part of an internal resistance and are attempting to circumvent Pres. Trump during his time in office. According to constitution experts, any prosecution would likely violate the writer’s rights since no sensitive information was revealed in the article.
