Lauren Thiery
To You Editor, Fused
A press release issued from the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression announced on April 8 the recipients of their annual Muzzle awards.
The Muzzle awards are given to the “best Muzzlers of free speech.” They are intended to recognize specific colleges, high schools and other organizations that have essentially “muzzled” its students or patrons; in some way or another, the rights to freedom of speech or expression, which are guaranteed by the First Amendment, have been taken away from those who have been promised these rights since they were first enacted in the Bill of Rights.
According to the press release, the awards are given “to those who in the preceding year committed some of the more egregious or ridiculous affronts to the First Amendment rights of free speech and free press.”
The list of those noted for oppressing the right to free expression include the administrations of the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Millard South High School in Omaha, Neb., among others.
In these instances, school officials from the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology prevented its student newspaper from distributing an issue that included a story pertaining to same-sex marriage. At Millard South High, officials suspended 23 students for “wearing T-shirts commemorating a classmate that police said was killed in a gang-related shooting.”
These Muzzle awards clearly do not celebrate something positive, they recognize something negative—the “proliferation of measures taken to prevent controversial speech,” as Robert O’Neil, director of the Thomas Jefferson Center, puts it.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Banned Books limit on right, Banned Book Week founder dies
Ariel Boehnlein
For You Editor
On April 12, 2009, Judith King, the founder of banned books week died from stomach cancer. Since 1982, King has been a strong advocate for "Intellectual Freedom." She believed that students shouldn't be told what not to read. Another librarian, Gretchen Knief, agreed, saying, "Ideas don't die because a book is forbidden reading."
The fact that any school/organization says that a book is "banned" is completely appalling, but because they are in a position of power, they are allowed their list. People that ban books are putting a lock on information. Students need to be exposed to differing opinions for that is the only way they will be able to form their own opinions.
And while banning books is not Constitutionally wrong, it does represent the power over students' rights that schools do posses. While students have their First Amendment Rights in school, they are limited. This is further represented in the fact that students are being told what they are and are not allowed to read.
Our school, with our wonderful librarians, celebrates Banned Books Week by pulling every banned book from other schools' lists and encouraging students to not only read them, but to talk about them. This is an excellent way to encourage discussion and the flow of different opinions, something that the First Amendment encourages.
For You Editor
On April 12, 2009, Judith King, the founder of banned books week died from stomach cancer. Since 1982, King has been a strong advocate for "Intellectual Freedom." She believed that students shouldn't be told what not to read. Another librarian, Gretchen Knief, agreed, saying, "Ideas don't die because a book is forbidden reading."
The fact that any school/organization says that a book is "banned" is completely appalling, but because they are in a position of power, they are allowed their list. People that ban books are putting a lock on information. Students need to be exposed to differing opinions for that is the only way they will be able to form their own opinions.
And while banning books is not Constitutionally wrong, it does represent the power over students' rights that schools do posses. While students have their First Amendment Rights in school, they are limited. This is further represented in the fact that students are being told what they are and are not allowed to read.
Our school, with our wonderful librarians, celebrates Banned Books Week by pulling every banned book from other schools' lists and encouraging students to not only read them, but to talk about them. This is an excellent way to encourage discussion and the flow of different opinions, something that the First Amendment encourages.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tamar Shachaf
About You Editor
https://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1898
Once again, SPLC reports of another student newspaper who will now have to be reviewed by an administrator prior to its distribution. This is not the first paper to go through this, and sadly it will not be the last. This school must show a copy of the issue to the principal 48 hours before its publication and must do so because of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, which declares that publications must submit themselves to public review if there is a proven reason for it.
While students still have the freedom to write whatever they like in this paper, they know that their principal will read it and may change it. It takes freedom away from the staff of the newspaper, but also from the student body. If a staff knows that their principal will read everything and pay attention to it closely then they will not feel comfortable reporting news that may not be favorable to the school. Just because something is "politically correct" does not mean that it is all the truth.
The Journalism teacher at the school, Sally Turner, comments that "You don't question an award-winning art teacher or ask to review every piece of art that leaves the classroom," and she makes a very good point. Journalism is a form of art and expression that affects people'es lives. By blocking students' ability to publish what they want, the school is blocking the students.
About You Editor
https://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1898
Once again, SPLC reports of another student newspaper who will now have to be reviewed by an administrator prior to its distribution. This is not the first paper to go through this, and sadly it will not be the last. This school must show a copy of the issue to the principal 48 hours before its publication and must do so because of Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, which declares that publications must submit themselves to public review if there is a proven reason for it.
While students still have the freedom to write whatever they like in this paper, they know that their principal will read it and may change it. It takes freedom away from the staff of the newspaper, but also from the student body. If a staff knows that their principal will read everything and pay attention to it closely then they will not feel comfortable reporting news that may not be favorable to the school. Just because something is "politically correct" does not mean that it is all the truth.
The Journalism teacher at the school, Sally Turner, comments that "You don't question an award-winning art teacher or ask to review every piece of art that leaves the classroom," and she makes a very good point. Journalism is a form of art and expression that affects people'es lives. By blocking students' ability to publish what they want, the school is blocking the students.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Freedom of Speech in Every Case
Talia Shifron
To You editor, Fused
Last spring, the Ku Klux Klan was distributing hate literature in certain parts of Bloomington and threatening to come have a demonstration. This raised a big controversy and many people didn't want them to come because they didn't want the Klan to spread their message of hate in Bloomington. Those who were against the Klan coming to Bloomington felt that one of the Klan's primary purposes was to incite people to anger, and build hatred in the community. People also felt that since the Klan's message is a destructive one, they shouldn't be allowed to demonstrate.
However, there is another side to this controversy in that the first amendment guarantees everyone freedom of speech even if their ideas are unpopular. The Ku Klux Klan wanted to come to Bloomington in order to get attention and create trouble. But, by people giving the Klan so much focus and attention, it helped the Klan to fulfill their goals. While the Klan had every right to come and express their beliefs, there are effective methods to prevent them from gaining exposure.
Groups like the Klan are just seeking attention. While they have the right to demonstrate, the community should exercise good judgement and not attend their gatherings. If everyone ignores them and perhaps plans and attends alternative programming that promote diversity, the Klan would not gain the recognition that they are aiming for, and eventually quit coming. The first amendment guarantees freedom of speech but every person has the responsibility to evaluate what speech they decide to listen to and how they are going to react to it.
To You editor, Fused
Last spring, the Ku Klux Klan was distributing hate literature in certain parts of Bloomington and threatening to come have a demonstration. This raised a big controversy and many people didn't want them to come because they didn't want the Klan to spread their message of hate in Bloomington. Those who were against the Klan coming to Bloomington felt that one of the Klan's primary purposes was to incite people to anger, and build hatred in the community. People also felt that since the Klan's message is a destructive one, they shouldn't be allowed to demonstrate.
However, there is another side to this controversy in that the first amendment guarantees everyone freedom of speech even if their ideas are unpopular. The Ku Klux Klan wanted to come to Bloomington in order to get attention and create trouble. But, by people giving the Klan so much focus and attention, it helped the Klan to fulfill their goals. While the Klan had every right to come and express their beliefs, there are effective methods to prevent them from gaining exposure.
Groups like the Klan are just seeking attention. While they have the right to demonstrate, the community should exercise good judgement and not attend their gatherings. If everyone ignores them and perhaps plans and attends alternative programming that promote diversity, the Klan would not gain the recognition that they are aiming for, and eventually quit coming. The first amendment guarantees freedom of speech but every person has the responsibility to evaluate what speech they decide to listen to and how they are going to react to it.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Censorship of the body?
Lauren Thiery
To You Editor, Fused
It is a scary thing indeed when a person no longer has the right to freely express themselves on their body, something which should clearly be protected under the First Amendment’s right to free speech clause.
On April 8, information was released regarding the suspension of Anthony Joseph Brown, a high school student in Huntington, West Virginia. Brown was suspended for 10 days because he had written a controversial phrase on his hand, which read “Free A-Train.”
The phrase indicates that Brown is a supporter of Anthony “A-Train” Jennings, a former Huntington student who currently faces charges of shooting a police officer. Jennings is also the alleged leader of a gang, the Black East Thugs (BET).
Principal Greg Webb of Brown’s school justified Brown’s suspension by arguing that supporters of Jennings, who write “Free A-Train” on their hands, “caus(e) a disruption in…school and interfer(e) with the educational process.” He, as well as Judge Robert C. Chambers, who ruled on Brown’s case, also argued that Brown’s suspension was justified because it gave the school reason to be worried about gang activity and support. Webb also added that he does not believe Brown’s suspension to be an issue of censorship.
This case is a prime example of the violation of students’ rights to freedom of speech. Even if a person does not agree with or support other’s beliefs and causes, such as the support of Jennings, it does not give them validation to ban a person from writing a phrase on their hand and then suspending them from school. Disagreeing with others on controversial topics is no excuse to prohibit someone from freely expressing themselves and their beliefs.
To You Editor, Fused
It is a scary thing indeed when a person no longer has the right to freely express themselves on their body, something which should clearly be protected under the First Amendment’s right to free speech clause.
On April 8, information was released regarding the suspension of Anthony Joseph Brown, a high school student in Huntington, West Virginia. Brown was suspended for 10 days because he had written a controversial phrase on his hand, which read “Free A-Train.”
The phrase indicates that Brown is a supporter of Anthony “A-Train” Jennings, a former Huntington student who currently faces charges of shooting a police officer. Jennings is also the alleged leader of a gang, the Black East Thugs (BET).
Principal Greg Webb of Brown’s school justified Brown’s suspension by arguing that supporters of Jennings, who write “Free A-Train” on their hands, “caus(e) a disruption in…school and interfer(e) with the educational process.” He, as well as Judge Robert C. Chambers, who ruled on Brown’s case, also argued that Brown’s suspension was justified because it gave the school reason to be worried about gang activity and support. Webb also added that he does not believe Brown’s suspension to be an issue of censorship.
This case is a prime example of the violation of students’ rights to freedom of speech. Even if a person does not agree with or support other’s beliefs and causes, such as the support of Jennings, it does not give them validation to ban a person from writing a phrase on their hand and then suspending them from school. Disagreeing with others on controversial topics is no excuse to prohibit someone from freely expressing themselves and their beliefs.
Monday, April 6, 2009
How Far is Too Far? Freedom of Assembly
Hannah Nixon
Announcements Editor
April 2009 Blog Post
https://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1894
The week of April 29th, half of Catholic University of America’s (CWA) student newspapers were reported stolen. Copies of the paper, called The Tower, were recovered in trash bins around the campus. The staff and News Editor Justine Garbarino are looking to make up for the lost inventory. However, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was not making the process easy.
After reporting the theft, the editors of the paper were informed by the Metropolitan Police department that the crime was, in fact, not considered to be a crime at all. The MPD’s reasoning was that because The Tower does not charge for their paper it could not be considered a criminal act.
However, attorney advocate for the Student Press Law Center (SPLC) Adam Goldstein said otherwise. “That the owner of property does not charge for it does not mean the property has no value,” Goldstein said.
So How far is too far? Did the culprits push the limit of freedom of assembly because they were concurrently corrupting the CUA’s freedom of press?
“We work very hard and we feel like we are getting pushed aside,” Garbarino said.
Although the culprits were exercising one of their rights as Americans, their actions were not ethical in any way because they were also undermining the First Amendment right to freedom of the press. Colorado, California and Maryland are the only states who legally hold this type of act as criminal; however this does not change what the culprits’ actions evoked.
Announcements Editor
April 2009 Blog Post
https://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1894
The week of April 29th, half of Catholic University of America’s (CWA) student newspapers were reported stolen. Copies of the paper, called The Tower, were recovered in trash bins around the campus. The staff and News Editor Justine Garbarino are looking to make up for the lost inventory. However, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was not making the process easy.
After reporting the theft, the editors of the paper were informed by the Metropolitan Police department that the crime was, in fact, not considered to be a crime at all. The MPD’s reasoning was that because The Tower does not charge for their paper it could not be considered a criminal act.
However, attorney advocate for the Student Press Law Center (SPLC) Adam Goldstein said otherwise. “That the owner of property does not charge for it does not mean the property has no value,” Goldstein said.
So How far is too far? Did the culprits push the limit of freedom of assembly because they were concurrently corrupting the CUA’s freedom of press?
“We work very hard and we feel like we are getting pushed aside,” Garbarino said.
Although the culprits were exercising one of their rights as Americans, their actions were not ethical in any way because they were also undermining the First Amendment right to freedom of the press. Colorado, California and Maryland are the only states who legally hold this type of act as criminal; however this does not change what the culprits’ actions evoked.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Freedom of Religion
by Tamar Shachaf
About You Editor
When the pilgrims came to America they came to seek religious freedom. They came to America to find a place where they could practice and speak of their religion without fear. Many years have passed since the pilgrims have come to flee persecution and while religious freedom is now a constitutional right, it is still not practiced my many. Recently, a Los Angeles City College student found himself having to stand up for his religion not only in front of a class, but also in front of his professor.
Jonathan Lopez prepared a speech for a class taught by John Matteson. According to Lopez, half way through his speech about G-d and miracles he was interrupted by Matteson and ridiculed him for his beliefs. Matteson went on to write on Lopez evaluation sheet that he should ask G-d for his grade. Lopez accuses Matteson of calling him a "facist bastard" and is suing him for viewpoint discrimination.
While often the classroom is not the place for religious talks, it is also not the place for ridicule because of religion. Lopez had every right to bring up his religion and the professor should have listened even if he did not agree. Professors should respect their students, and humans should respect each other. If Matteson did say and do everything Lopez accuses him of then he is a shame to his school and to colleges in general. America is a place where everyone is guaranteed religious freedom and freedom of speech. By ridiculing Lopez, Matteson was ridiculing both of those freedoms.
http://splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1876
About You Editor
When the pilgrims came to America they came to seek religious freedom. They came to America to find a place where they could practice and speak of their religion without fear. Many years have passed since the pilgrims have come to flee persecution and while religious freedom is now a constitutional right, it is still not practiced my many. Recently, a Los Angeles City College student found himself having to stand up for his religion not only in front of a class, but also in front of his professor.
Jonathan Lopez prepared a speech for a class taught by John Matteson. According to Lopez, half way through his speech about G-d and miracles he was interrupted by Matteson and ridiculed him for his beliefs. Matteson went on to write on Lopez evaluation sheet that he should ask G-d for his grade. Lopez accuses Matteson of calling him a "facist bastard" and is suing him for viewpoint discrimination.
While often the classroom is not the place for religious talks, it is also not the place for ridicule because of religion. Lopez had every right to bring up his religion and the professor should have listened even if he did not agree. Professors should respect their students, and humans should respect each other. If Matteson did say and do everything Lopez accuses him of then he is a shame to his school and to colleges in general. America is a place where everyone is guaranteed religious freedom and freedom of speech. By ridiculing Lopez, Matteson was ridiculing both of those freedoms.
http://splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=1876
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