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Want to know what is on our minds? Find blog posts written here, by the City Club staff, members, and partners. Every week you can find a new edition of #FreeSpeech in the News — a collection of related stories, commentary, and opinions on free speech in the 21st century that’s making the news. You’ll also find takes on current events, past forums, and issues surrounding Northeast Ohio. Read on for all things City Club.

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Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2021 Hope and Stanley Adelstein Essay Contest

City Club Staff

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2021 Hope and Stanley Adelstein Essay Contest

Thank you to all the students who entered the 2021 Hope and Stanley Adelstein Essay Contest! We are excited to announce this year’s winners for the following prompt:

The recent insurrection at the United States capitol, enabled by free speech on social media platforms, has amplified the conflict between public interest and unfettered freedom of speech in American society.

Other countries have made efforts to resolve this conflict through restricting hate speech. For example, Germany has outlawed speech that disturbs public peace. Additionally, social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter have taken new action to censor speech that may be dangerous or untrue.

Freedom of speech is a bedrock of American democracy. But the proliferation of misinformation, conspiracy theories, extremist views, and violence now being spread on social media platforms threatens the balance of free speech and democracy. If you were given the opportunity to testify before the Senate, what would you recommend be done?

9/10th Grade

1st place: Caden Coleman, Mentor High School

2nd place: Simone Davis, Solon High School

3rd place: Sahar Maleki, Hathaway Brown

Honorable Mention: Aiden Owens, University School

11/12th Grade

1st Place: Jessica Chang, Hathaway Brown School

2nd Place: Claire Stinson, Chagrin Falls High School

3rd place: Wren Opperman, Chagrin Falls High School

Honorable Mention: Aleeta Cowan, Chagrin Falls High School

View the First-Place essays here: 9/10th Grade | 11/12th Grade

Thanks to a gift from Hope and Stanley Adelstein, the winners will receive cash prizes for their tremendous work.

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