Terri Lesley, a former Wyoming library director fired amidst a book dispute involving sexually explicit content and LGBTQ+ themes, will receive $700,000 in a settlement after suing Campbell County officials. Lesley’s termination occurred after public officials sided with book objectors, with Lesley claiming her First Amendment rights were violated. The county denied Lesley’s claims, asserting the dismissal was based on performance, not the book controversy. Lesley’s attorney hopes the settlement sends a message about the importance of the First Amendment and anti-discrimination values.
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A Chicago pastor, Rev. David Black, injured during a protest outside a Broadview ICE facility, is now a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s response to demonstrations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit on behalf of journalists, media organizations, clergy, and local residents, alleging that federal agents used excessive force, including tear gas and pepper balls, against peaceful protestors. The plaintiffs argue that these actions violated First Amendment rights and are seeking to restrict federal tactics at the facility. The court is currently considering a temporary restraining order while the case proceeds.
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The article highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive actions against non-citizen residents, specifically targeting them based on their speech and viewpoints. Judge William Young, in *American Association of University Professors v Rubio*, ruled the administration violated the First Amendment by detaining and deporting pro-Palestinian foreign scholars, emphasizing that the Constitution does not differentiate between citizens and immigrants regarding freedom of speech. Young’s decision condemned Trump’s actions as unconstitutional and a threat to fundamental rights, citing instances of immigrants like Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk being targeted for their speech. The judge’s opinion extends beyond the immediate case, framing Trump’s actions as a broader threat to American values and urging Americans to defend constitutional principles.
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A federal judge in Boston ruled against the Trump administration, declaring its efforts to deport noncitizens for protesting the war in Gaza unconstitutional. The judge sided with university associations, finding the policy, which they labeled as ideological deportation, to be a violation of the First Amendment. During the trial, the plaintiffs presented witnesses who argued that the administration specifically targeted students and scholars critical of Israel. Lawyers for the Trump administration countered by arguing that there was no policy based on protected speech.
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The legal ramifications of Charlie Kirk’s assassination are unfolding in court as educators challenge their firings and suspensions. These faculty members claim their First Amendment rights were violated due to social media posts regarding the incident. A federal judge has already ordered the reinstatement of a University of South Dakota professor, while a high school teacher in Iowa is also suing over a similar situation. Experts emphasize that professors have a protected right to speak on public matters, with even offensive political speech, such as rhetorical hyperbole, being safeguarded. Consequently, this burgeoning legal battle is poised to be a significant test case for free speech in the context of political fallout.
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Following the termination or suspension of educators due to controversial social media posts regarding the death of Charlie Kirk, several individuals are now pursuing legal action, citing violations of their First Amendment rights. These lawsuits challenge the disciplinary actions taken by universities and school districts, arguing their speech, made in a private capacity on matters of public concern, is protected. Legal experts disagree on the extent of First Amendment protection in these cases, with distinctions drawn between speech related to an employee’s job duties and speech made as a private citizen. Some experts believe that while political speech is highly protected, the courts give universities more leeway than K-12 schools when considering the disruption caused by such speech.
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President Trump has recently intensified his criticism of press freedom and the First Amendment. During a recent statement, he suggested that negative coverage of his administration by journalists should be illegal. These comments follow the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s program by ABC, owned by Disney, after threats were made regarding the revocation of broadcast licenses. In response, writers and actors gathered in protest to defend free speech.
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Hegseth’s purge of service members cheering Kirk killing comes under heavy scrutiny, or at least, that’s what the narrative seems to be focusing on. It’s hard to ignore the underlying currents, though, and what it might reveal about the current state of things. It seems like the primary concern is the potential politicization of the military, turning it into an extension of a specific political ideology rather than a force dedicated to defending the country as a whole. The emphasis seems to be less on genuine mourning or outrage, and more on the perceived hypocrisy, considering the selective application of rules and the historical context of soldiers celebrating the deaths of perceived enemies.… Continue reading
A lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court by West Point law professor Tim Bakken alleges the U.S. Military Academy is violating the First Amendment by restricting professors’ opinions in the classroom and censoring certain books and courses. The suit, seeking class-action status for West Point’s civilian faculty, claims the academy began scrutinizing faculty speech following a January executive order. According to the lawsuit, West Point has implemented policies that control and suppress faculty speech by requiring approval for public comments, removing content from webpages, and preventing instructors from expressing opinions in the classroom.
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In a rare show of political agreement, Senators Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz have both criticized the FCC’s Chair Brendan Carr for allegedly pressuring ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel following comments made about the suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk. Sanders stated the government cannot force anyone off the air due to disagreements, with Cruz likening Carr’s actions to a mafia boss. The senators’ statements came amid broader concerns about First Amendment rights, with others suggesting the Trump administration is using its position to silence opposing views. This situation resulted in the introduction of the FREE SPEECH Act.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood