Tuesday, May 21, 2019
#FREESPEECH IN THE NEWS: MAY 20, 2019
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.
A new White House campaign to collect stories about alleged instances of political bias on social media has drawn wide-ranging objections from members of Congress, free-speech advocates and privacy hawks, some of whom question whether the Trump administration’s effort violates the constitution.
Their concerns stem from a survey the White House tweeted to followers on Wednesday. It asked people to provide their names, citizenship status, contact information and links to their accounts on Facebook or other social platforms, along with details about instances in which they felt they had been censored. While the Trump administration said it sought input from people across the political spectrum, the president regularly has charged that tech giants unfairly silence conservatives.
Lawmakers bristled at what they saw as a political stunt. Many took particular exception that the White House was targeting Facebook, Google and Twitter on the same week that the administration, citing free-speech concerns, opted against joining a widely supported international pact to combat online extremism.
2.) Gen Z split on whether hate speech should be protected by First Amendment
College campuses are now populated by the age cohort known as “Generation Z.” Born between 1997 and 2012 and on track to be the most diverse and best-educated generation to date, the newly minted voters in the upper range of this age group are developing their own views on free speech.
A study conducted by College Pulse and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation surveyed more than 4,400 “Gen Z” students enrolled in full-time, four-year degree programs in December 2018 and found that the group largely supported First Amendment rights to free speech, as 58 percent of those surveyed did not support restrictions.
Those surveyed were largely divided on whether free speech was more important than fostering an inclusive society, especially along gender and racial lines.
3.) Avoiding controversy over free speech, Boatnik looks for compromise
Controversy at First Friday events in Grants Pass may spill into one of the city’s signature events this weekend.
Earlier this month, some businesses in the downtown area spoke with NBC5 News saying pro-life protestors were going too far with some of their signs and hurting potential business. The group is accused of showing offensive images of aborted fetuses and acting aggressively. However, the group says they’re just preaching the gospel and looking to start a conversation.
Now, with the 61st annual Boatnik Festival coming up this weekend, organizers just want to cater a fun family-friendly atmosphere for thousands of people to come and enjoy. But in light of the recent concerns of graphic images at public events and the festival’s own past history, the discussion is on how to keep it a family-friendly environment without infringing on the First Amendment.
