Wednesday, August 12, 2020
#FREESPEECH in the News August 12, 2020
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.) Protest planned as county commissioners consider regulating use of buildings for free speech
A protest is planned for Wednesday as Oklahoma County commissioners get set to vote on regulating the use of county property for free speech.
The Board of Oklahoma County Commissioners will decide whether or not to limit the use of certain county buildings for free speech activities like protests. The measure would prohibit protesters from being within 25 feet of an entrance to certain county buildings when those buildings are open. It also prohibits protesters from interfering with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. It states that while the board “supports the rights of people to engage in those free speech activities,” the board recognizes that public property must be used for its primary purpose of conducting lawful functions of government without undue interference.
Protesters are calling the measure unconstitutional, saying that the elected officials are “trying to curb free speech.” The ACLU of Oklahoma has said if the measure is passed, the organization will challenge it in court.
2.) Following student’s use of racial slur, U. email on free speech sparks debate
Shortly after a white student’s use of the n-word on social media provoked intense backlash, administrators asserted that the University permits certain uses of offensive slurs — including language that runs “contrary to Princeton’s commitment to stand for inclusivity and against racism.”
Many students criticized the administrators’ statement, which the University community received on July 28, arguing that an institution committed to standing against racism should not permit hate speech.
3.) US Army Reinstates Twitch Commenters It Banned for Asking About War Crimes
After a pause from streaming, the U.S. Army esports team is returning to Twitch and reinstating accounts it had previously banned.
"The U.S. Army eSports Team is reinstating access for accounts previously banned for harassing and degrading behavior on its Twitch stream,” the Army told Motherboard in an email. “The team is reviewing and clarifying its policies and procedures for the stream and will provide all who have been banned the opportunity to participate in the space as long as they follow the team's guidelines.”
The U.S. Army’s esports team got into trouble last month when it began banning people in its Twitch chat who were asking questions about American war crimes. That’s a possible violation of the first amendment and the Knight First Amendment Institute has asked it to stop and demanded an answer by August 5. Today is August 5.
