We don't hear about it much, but an important, historically unprecedented experiment is being conducted in Internet-connected schools, libraries, homes and workplaces in every country under every sort of government on the planet. It's about how to protect people and their right of free expression – e.g., children and other protected classes – at the same time in social media. It's unprecedented … [Read more...] about The global free speech experiment for participants of all ages
First Amendment
Missouri judge blocks new ‘Facebook law’
A new Missouri law that was aimed at reducing sexual misconduct by teachers but became known more for its language about teachers' social networking received a double blow late last week. "First, a judge blocked it from taking effect because of free speech concerns. Then, the governor called for its repeal" eSchool News reports, in a special session of the legislature on Sept. 6. Here's my Aug. 8 … [Read more...] about Missouri judge blocks new ‘Facebook law’
Supreme Court: Videogames, as other arts, are protected speech
The decision most probably settles the question of whether state laws can ban sales of violent videogames without violating the First Amendment. In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court has struck down a California law that "tried to make the sale or rental of mature-rated video games to underage consumers an illegal offense punishable by fine," Time reported. It was a landmark decision because, in a … [Read more...] about Supreme Court: Videogames, as other arts, are protected speech
Federal court ditches student-free-speech decisions
Philadelphia's federal appeals court has vacated two key decisions of this past February that served to confuse matters. The 3rd Circuit Court "has decided to discard those conflicting decisions and rehear both cases on June 3," Wired reports. "School officials complained the rulings left them unclear on what legal legs they had to stand on when comes to punishing students for their online, … [Read more...] about Federal court ditches student-free-speech decisions
Student free speech to Supreme Court soon?
It was a big day for student free speech last Thursday, a day that ended with mixed results. One three-judge panel of the Third US Circuit Court decided for a student, and another panel from the same circuit decided against a student, Wired reports. Wired adds that the Supreme Court "has never squarely addressed the parameters of off-campus, online student speech, but might soon. So far, lower … [Read more...] about Student free speech to Supreme Court soon?