ISIL Freedom Network: United States > Introductions and FAQs > Free Speech

Freedom of choice
Source: Liberty Round Table
Author: Laura Cray
Country: United States

"[A]s with many privileges, humans often take for granted their freewill until they lose it. Time and time again, history has displayed that in times of great oppression those who had the freedom of speech did not bother to speak." 2nd place in LRT essay contest for 2002, age 17-18. (05/02)

R.A.V. v. St. Paul
Source: U.S. Supreme Court
Country: United States

The case most commonly referenced today to demonstrate that the content of offensive speech -- even so-called "hate speech" -- is protected under the First Amendment. "[G]overnment may not regulate [speech] based on hostility, or favoritism, towards a nonproscribable message..." (1992)

Racist speech on college campuses
Source: ACLU
Country: United States

The ACLU’s take on why speech codes are wrong, and won’t make racism go away.

Hate speech on campus
Source: ACLU
Country: United States

The ACLU explains why speech that wanders "beyond the pale" deserves protection — and more speech in response.

Speak freely, professor -- within the speech code
Source: Chronicle of Higher Education
Country: United States

Daphne Patai, a professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, relates her discovery that within the American Association of University Professors, advocacy of free speech and academic freedom is now considered "conservative." (6/8/00)

Student Fees: Freedom of Speech or Forced Subsidy?
Source: Mackinac Center
Author: George C. Leef
Country: United States

According to Leef, "College student groups should earn their financial support voluntarily, rather than relying on school-enforced, mandatory "student fees" coerced from the whole student body." (6/15/00)

ACLU sees political opportunism in FTC report on culture and violence
Source: ACLU
Country: United States

"Politics and punditry, not scientific research, is driving the supposed link between youth violence and popular culture, the American Civil Liberties Union said today, as a Senate committee convened hearings triggered by a government report on the issue." (9/13/00)

Violent reactions
Source: Reason
Country: United States

"Senator Joseph Lieberman, who has reportedly developed carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of constantly wagging his finger, is disappointed with the entertainment industry. Again. This time he’s demanding 'a genuine response to the growing chorus of concerns' about 'its part in the toxic mix that is turning too many of our kids into killers.'" (5/19/99)

FTC blames the usual suspects
Source: Civil Liberties
Author: J.D. Tuccille
Country: United States

In a perennial exercise in which politicos and bureaucrats attack artists and entertainers, the FTC report on violent media blames social woes on the usual suspects. (9/13/00)

Gone in a mushroom cloud
Source: CFIF
Country: United States

"In upholding a previous ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court the Supremes ruled the mushroom checkoff's advertising program violated the free speech rights of mushroom growers. In doing so it struck down the mushroom checkoff and opened the door to a challenge of the beef and pork checkoffs." (08/01)

The First Amendment and you
Source: Liberty Activist
Author: Mary Lou Seymour
Country: United States

Excellent information and tips for activists who intend to exercise their First Amendment rights.

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