A University in Delaware Censored a Student Art Piece for Its “Violent” Depiction of Trump
The student artwork, a parody of Caravaggio's "Judith Beheading Holofernes," involved swapping the figures for the Statue of Liberty and President Trump. The university's decision to censor the artwork appears to go against policies the school lays out in their student handbook.
Virginia Legislature Looks to Strengthen State’s Anti-SLAPP Law
Current loopholes in the state's law have lured a number of individuals into using Virginia courts to intimidate their critics. For example, of the six defamation complaints Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) filed in the past year, four were filed in Virginia.
FIRE Announces This Year’s List of Ten Worst Colleges for Free Speech
Every year since 2011, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) has issued a list of 10 individual colleges and universities that, via policies or actions, have threatened the free speech rights of their students and faculty.
Jeff Bezos Faces Defamation Lawsuit Brought by Girlfriend’s Brother
Michael Sanchez, the brother of Jeff Bezos’s current girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, is suing the Amazon CEO for defamation for allegedly spreading false rumors that Sanchez shared nude photos of Bezos and his sister with the National Enquirer.
California DMV Settles with Owner of “Come on You Whites” License Plate
The license plate, which included a reference to a slogan used by Jonathan Kotler's favorite soccer team, was rejected after officials determined it contained an "offensive connotation."
Former House IT Staffer Sues The Daily Caller For Defamation
A former House IT staffer sued the Daily Caller, reporter and book author Luke Rosiak, and Regnery Publishing for defamation. The suit, filed in D.C. Superior Court on January 28th, alleges that Imran Awan, his wife, and three others were targeted by Rosniak and the conservative news outlet who falsely accused them of crimes including hacking, espionage, and theft.
Ohio Senate Passes Campus Speech Bill Limiting Imposition of Security Fees
The Ohio State Senate passed a new bill on campus speech on January 28th that will prohibit free speech zones, and ban the imposition of security fees based on the controversial nature of the speaker’s expression.
Pompeo Punishes NPR Reporter After Heated Exchange with Colleague
NPR's Michele Kelemen will no longer be allowed to travel with the Secretary of State on his upcoming trip to Europe and Central Asia. The decision appears to be a act of retaliation against the news organization following a tense exchange between Pompeo and Keleman's colleague this past Saturday.