Monday, June 17, 2019
#FREESPEECH IN THE NEWS: JUNE 17, 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.
1.) Gay-themed books fuel fight over free speech at small-town library in Maine
For the second time in eight months, the Rumford Public Library again found itself in the spotlight as librarians and trustees defended their rotating monthly display of books from questions and accusations that their contents were politically motivated and inappropriate.
The controversy began last fall when local pastors challenged the inclusion of two books with gay themes in a display of frequently banned books. Tensions bubbled up again this spring when the interim town manager asked if the library had a policy for book displays and, in doing so, questioned whether librarians were making political statements with their displays on “‘town time and the town’s dime.”
In response, the library’s trustees adopted a policy affirming the librarians’ right to choose the books that go on display.
2.) Alabama lawmakers pass free speech bill, bar campuses from creating 'free speech zones'
Alabama legislators passed a bill that set expectations and restrictions for how college campuses handle free speech.
The passing of the bill came about two months after President Donald Trump invited several students who claimed they were censored at their campuses to the White House. After hearing their stories, Trump signed an executive order requiring colleges to promote free speech or risk losing federal research funds.
Alabama's bill didn't list specific consequences for not complying, although, it stated the attorney general and those whose rights were allegedly violated could pursue legal action against higher education institutions.
A Georgia county commissioner is filing a lawsuit seeking $5 million in damages after he was officially punished for calling Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) a “racist pig.”
Gwinnett County Commissioner Tommy Hunter filed the federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Atlanta last week alleging arguing his punishment in June 2017 violated his First Amendment right to free speech, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Hunter, in a 2017 Facebook post over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend that went viral, called Lewis a “racist pig” after the civil rights icon and longtime lawmaker openly questioned the legitimacy of President Trump’s election victory. Though the post about Lewis drew widespread backlash and public criticism, Hunter did not step down and remains a county commissioner.
He was given a public reprimand by the commissioner's board, citing a “pattern of behavior that fails to adequately consider the good of the county.” Hunter’s federal lawsuit claims the public reprimand humiliated him and caused “continued economic injury.”
