Category
Offensive Speech
FILE PHOTO: Florida’s Capitol Complex in Tallahassee, Florida

Florida Senate Unanimously Passes Bill To Define Antisemitism

Florida is among several states seeking to define antisemitism, as there has been a surge in antisemitic incidents since the Israel-Hamas war began in October.

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Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Governor Signs Bill That Would Define Antisemitism in State Law

Opponents of the Georgia law warned it would be used to censor free speech rights with criticism of Israel equated to hatred of Jewish people.

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Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia

There’s a Wave of New Bills To Define Antisemitism, Triggering Free Speech Debates

Supporters say it’s increasingly important to add a definition that lays out how to determine whether some criticism of Israel also amounts to hatred of Jewish people.

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Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Lawmakers, in Support of Israel, Pass Bill to Define Antisemitism in State Law

Sponsors say adopting the definition would help prosecutors and other officials identify hate crimes and illegal discrimination targeting Jewish people.

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Kentucky Senate Passes Bill That Would Make it A Crime to “Taunt” a Police Officer

While there may exist some disagreement as to whether raising penalties for crimes associated with rioting violates the First Amendment, there is at least one provision in the Kentucky bill that is explicitly unconstitutional. 

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Can A Public School Punish A Student For Off-Campus Speech?

On January 8th, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case involving a high school student who was suspended from her cheerleading team for a Snapchat selfie she made after school hours. The lower courts are currently split as to whether a school can discipline off-campus speech that is substantially disruptive and closesly linked to school.

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Charlottesville

Teacher Guide: Hate Speech In America

Although many countries across the globe have laws prohibiting hate speech, the United States protects offensive speech about certain groups that historically have been subject to discrimination. This guide explores the First Amendment issues that arise from attempting to regulate hate speech. The guide also goes into existing limitations on expression, including incitement to imminent lawless action, fighting words, true threats, and harassment.

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University of California Student

University of California, San Diego Reaches Settlement with Satirical Student Publication

The newspaper sued the university after the student government passed a bill excluding media student groups from accessing activity funds. The legislation was passed just days after the paper published a controversial article satirizing safe spaces.

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