Ending Section 230 Would Kill the Internet as We Know It
Don’t unleash censors; restrain them more!
Free Speech
Israel Raids the Associated Press and Seizes Equipment Over War Coverage
There's no justification for cracking down on news organizations for reporting the news during war.
No Pseudonymity for Student Challenging University Discipline in Non-Sexual-Assault/Harassment Case
"The disciplinary proceedings arose from Plaintiff's development of an 'artificial intelligence-based learning tool,' with another student, which the University's Honor Council eventually concluded 'was offensive to Emory's community standards' as it might result in academic dishonesty and cheating."
Delaware Court on the First Amendment Exception to "Speech Integral to Criminal Conduct"
"Some courts have incorrectly used this exception to rationalize upholding a statute that criminalizes speech ... simply because their legislature passed a law labeling it criminal. The limited line of United States Supreme Court cases that have addressed this exception in no way supports such a broad reading."
Vox Wants Progressives To Support Free Speech for the Wrong Reasons
Eric Levitz argues that the left should take a stand against censorship—for practical rather than principled reasons.
"After Edokobi's Employees Left, Smith Cast 'Evil Curses' upon Edokobi's Life and Business"—But Not Libelous Ones
More usefully, the case is a reminder that insults and other expressions of opinion aren't libelous.
Congressional Republicans Launch 'Fishing Expedition' Against Progressive, Jewish, and Palestinian Nonprofits
The House Oversight and Education committees are investigating the sources of “malign influence” behind campus protests. They’re using tactics Republicans used to hate.
Court Overturns Littering Conviction for Leaving Bags with Messages on Neighbors' Lawns in Response to Their Political Signs
"[A]ll the residences where he left materials had political signage in their yards and none of them had no trespassing signs posted. Thus, their consent to receive literature is 'implied from community custom and tradition.'"
Court Declines to Dismiss Libel Suit by Anthropologist Accused of Mishandling Human Remains from Project MOVE Bombing
The case was brought by Dr. Janet Monge against the University of Pennsylvania.
The Worst Section 230 Bill Yet
New bipartisan legislation would sunset Section 230 after next year.
Alabama Man Faces Jail Time for Refusing To Apologize to a Cop for Cursing During Traffic Stop
Reginald Burks says he told a police officer, "Get your ass out of the way so I can take my kids to school." First Amendment lawyers say he can't be forced to apologize.
Can Nonprofits That Help Organize Protests Lose Their Tax Exemptions?
Not because of the viewpoints they express—but yes if they engage in systematic illegal conduct.
MIT President's Statement on Removal of Encampment
"Disciplinary measures were not sufficient to end [the encampnent] nor to deter students from quickly reestablishing it."
Reason Is a Finalist for 14 Southern California Journalism Awards
Nominated stories include journalism on messy nutrition research, pickleball, government theft, homelessness, and more.
The Feds Are Talking to Social Media Companies Again
Unless the Supreme Court rules against this practice, it is certain to continue.
Nico Perrino: When Does Protesting Become a Crime?
Executive VP of FIRE Nico Perrino discusses the history and legality of campus protests.
Court Orders Unsealing of Documents in Lottery Winner's Lawsuit
The lottery winner is suing an ex-girlfriend based on a non-disclosure agreement aimed at concealing his identity. (The motion to unseal, at this point, is aimed at just unsealing various sealed documents in the case, not at disclosing the parties' names.)
Noam Dworman: Free Speech for All, From Finkelstein to Chapelle
The owner of the Comedy Cellar and viral podcaster wants to argue with you about Israel, the media, and whether women are funny.
TikTok Asks Court To Declare Ban Unconstitutional
Congress is "silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate," the company argues.
This Student Was Allegedly Suspended for Saying 'Illegal Aliens.' Did That Violate the First Amendment?
Christian McGhee is suing, arguing a North Carolina assistant principal infringed on his free speech rights.
Judge Allows Suit Over Alabama Abortion Travel To Go Forward
Abortion rights groups have sued Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall after he said he would prosecute anyone who facilitates legal out-of-state abortions.
Judge Says Alabama Can't Punish Helping People Go to Other States to Get Abortions
"[T]his case is simply about whether a State may prevent people within its borders from going to another State, and from assisting others in going to another State, to engage in lawful conduct there."
Americans Care About Inflation, but Politicians Don't
Plus: A listener asks the editors about cancelling student loan debt.
What I Saw at the University of Virginia's Protest Crackdown
The college had a legal right to break up the pro-Palestine encampment. But does that mean it should?
MIT President Says MIT Is Finally Shutting Down Anti-Israel Encampment
"And no matter how peaceful the students' behavior may be, unilaterally taking over a central portion of our campus for one side of a hotly disputed issue and precluding use by other members of our community is not right."
Pseudonymity Tentatively Allowed in "Wet Farts" Wrongful Discipline Lawsuit Against Columbia
When may plaintiffs in highly politically controversial cases sue pseudonymously, in order to avoid public hostility?
Ben Sasse on Speech and Protest at the University of Florida
The former Senator says "the adults are still in charge" in Gainesville
WSJ: How Campus Anti-Israel Protestors Were Encouraged and Trained By Outside Activists
An interesting report that helps explain why the messaging, tactics, and methods adopted by campus protestors have been so similar across the country.
"Not In Our Name": Tablet on the Antisemitism Awareness Act
A Jewish journal argues the problem is not the Act's definition of antisemitism, but the larger anti-speech bureaucratic edifice.
Message from Johns Hopkins University President
"I am writing today to reiterate the reasons why the encampment is so problematic and why I am calling on you to end it."
