Editor's Note: The Student Press Law Center signed onto a friend-of-the-court brief from the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida. This story was originally published by the Brechner Center. Feb. 19, 2019 update: Supreme Court Declines Challenge to Kentucky Law on School Disruption. Coverage from Education Week. Read or download… Continue reading Supreme Court asked to hear case about criminalizing “disruptive” speech to school employees, SPLC signs onto brief siding with students
SPLC signs onto brief appealing discipline for “disrespectful” political speech by medical student on Facebook
Editor's Note: The Student Press Law Center signed on to a friend-of-the-court brief from the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida. This story was originally published by the Brechner Center. Read or download the full brief. In the latest legal skirmish over the ability of public universities to regulate what… Continue reading SPLC signs onto brief appealing discipline for “disrespectful” political speech by medical student on Facebook
NEWS RELEASE: Journalism groups rally behind UCSD student media against retaliatory withdrawal of financial support
In a brief filed Monday, the SPLC and seven national press-freedom organizations argue that a federal district judge erred in concluding that a public university can discontinue funding for student media anytime for any reason, even if motivated to punish the editors for unwanted viewpoints.
From the SPLC Legal Network: An analysis of the Supreme Court's latest First Amendment ruling, Matal v. Tam
The Supreme Court avoided an expansive reading of the "government speech" doctrine in a closely watched trademark case that represents yet another blow against content-based government restrictions on speech under the Roberts Court.
Rhode Island House, Senate pass 'New Voices' legislation
Rhode Island lawmakers held a last-minute vote Thursday and unanimously passed two identical New Voices bills in the House and the Senate, then ratified the House version late Friday. Unless the governor vetoes it, House Bill 5550 will make Rhode Island the thirteenth state with a statute protecting student journalists.
State of the First Amendment? Many Americans say it shouldn't protect divisive campus speakers, hate speech on social media
The Newseum's annual survey finds generally strong public support for First Amendment principles, but that support wanes when the public is asked whether constitutional principles "go too far" in protecting hateful or offensive speakers.
Federal court ruling recognizes students' First Amendment right to make recordings on school grounds
Students have a constitutionally protected right to record the activities of school authorities on school grounds during school time, unless the school shows that recording will be substantially disruptive, a Maine judge decides in a case that could clarify the rights of student newsgatherers everywhere.
U.S. District Court affirms First Amendment right to complain in rejecting motion to dismiss former student's complaint
A case in Virginia has provided a welcome stand against retaliation for students exercising their First Amendment rights. On March 30, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia rejected a motion to dismiss by the defendants in Deegan v. Moore, finding that student Jennifer Deegan had been well within her rights to… Continue reading U.S. District Court affirms First Amendment right to complain in rejecting motion to dismiss former student's complaint
Survey reveals support for First Amendment freedoms at 10-year high, with a few caveats
A new survey commissioned by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has found that support for First Amendment freedoms is at a 10-year high among high school students.
A promise unkept
There is a contractual paradigm that prescribes First Amendment protection at most private universities through student handbooks and codes, but it’s not always fulfilled.