Monday, August 19, 2019
#FREESPEECH IN THE NEWS: August 19, 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.) Wisconsin State Legislature introduces bill protecting free speech on UW campuses
Two republican lawmakers in the Wisconsin state legislature introduced a bill to protect free speech on University of Wisconsin campuses this week.
State Sen. Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and State Rep. Cody Horlacher, R-Mukwonago introduced the Campus Free Speech Bill which makes it the responsibility of the UW Board of Regents to discipline any actions inhibiting free speech by campus speakers, students and faculty. It also allows campus speakers, students and faculty to discuss anything protected by the first amendment.
But the legislation is similar to a failed 2017 Republican bill. Soon after, the Board of Regents passed a policy with sanctions against those found to be violating the free speech rights of others. Student groups at UW schools have stated that, because of the policy, the new bill is redundant. Connor Mathias, vice president of the UW-Milwaukee Student Association told WPR the legislature’s involvement seemed like an unnecessary overstep given the pre-existing policy.
2.) North Columbus billboard matter resolved, but do free-speech issues remain?
A controversial billboard that was taken down last week in Northland brought up some thorny issues of free speech and community standards.
In most cases, free speech wins out. Just because it’s provocative doesn’t mean it’s illegal, said Anthony Celebrezze, spokesman for the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services.
“From our standpoint, we cannot regulate content because of free speech,” Celebrezze said, referring to a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2015 in which the justices rejected a sign ordinance in Arizona that restricted a pastor’s right to post religious symbols. The ruling opened up lawsuits against municipalities that restricted outdoor messages. Yet messages that involve hate crimes, hate speech and nudity are subject to regulation, Celebrezze said.
3.) County Fair in Oregon implements free speech area
The Josephine County Fair in Oregon is underway and this year, there is also a new space for visitors to engage in free speech dialogue.
The fair board designated a free speech area, as a special area to reduce heated discussions between people. After disagreements at the last fair, representatives of both political parties have decided to use a bipartisan method to allow the flow of opposing ideas.
"Myself and my Vice-Chair met with the Democrat party and their Vice-Chair," Republican party chair Nancy Traher said. "We talked and had a great conversation. We agreed that we should get along and keep in communication with each other."
