Despite a Supreme Court ruling protecting flag burning as free speech, President Trump has issued an order directing the Department of Justice to prosecute anyone who desecrates the American flag, seeking to overturn the 1989 decision. The order aims to criminalize flag burning, potentially leading to a year of incarceration, contradicting the First Amendment. This directive also instructs the Secretary of State to deny visas and other benefits to foreign nationals who desecrate the flag, further restricting free speech. Legal experts have criticized the order, asserting that it cannot override the First Amendment’s protections for symbolic speech, even if offensive.
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President Trump recently issued an executive order directing federal prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against individuals who burn the American flag during protests. This action aims to circumvent a 1989 Supreme Court decision, *Texas v. Johnson*, which protects flag burning as a form of protected political expression under the First Amendment. The order instructs the US attorney general to explore charges like disturbing the peace or environmental violations, rather than directly criminalizing flag burning. Trump has a long history of advocating for consequences for flag burning, a stance shared by a majority of Americans according to recent polling.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday prohibiting the burning of the American flag, despite the Supreme Court’s precedent in Texas v. Johnson that deems it protected symbolic speech. While acknowledging the court’s ruling, Trump asserted that flag burning incites violence and riots. The order would impose a one-year jail sentence for those who violate the ban. Newsweek reached out to the Supreme Court for comment.
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A Manhattan federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing sanctions against two U.S. citizens and law professors who work with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ruling stems from a lawsuit challenging a February executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC and prohibiting interactions with designated ICC officials. The court’s permanent injunction prevents the administration from enforcing civil or criminal penalties against the professors for providing various services to the ICC, including education, training, and analytical support. This decision, echoing a similar ruling in Maine, safeguards the professors’ First Amendment rights, allowing them to continue assisting the ICC in its investigations and prosecutions.
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A German court has upheld the Buchenwald concentration camp memorial’s right to deny entry to individuals wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh. The court rejected a woman’s request to wear the scarf, citing her intention to send a political message against the memorial’s perceived support for the Israeli government. The court determined that the memorial’s interest in upholding its purpose outweighed the woman’s right to freedom of expression, emphasizing the potential impact on the sense of security for Jewish visitors. This decision comes amidst Germany’s ongoing efforts to address its history and navigate its relationship with Israel, particularly concerning actions in Gaza.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now screen immigrants seeking legal pathways to live and work in the U.S. for “anti-Americanism,” raising concerns about subjective judgments in rejecting applicants. Officers will consider whether an applicant has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused” anti-American views. The policy’s vagueness regarding what constitutes “anti-Americanism” has ignited worries that it could open the door for bias. Legal experts are divided on the constitutionality of the policy, with some arguing it violates free speech rights, while others believe the First Amendment does not protect non-citizens.
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Yosemite National Park ranger Shannon “SJ” Joslin was fired after hanging a large transgender pride flag on El Capitan in protest of policies targeting transgender people under the Trump administration. Park officials are working with the Justice Department to pursue administrative action against several park employees and possible criminal charges against visitors who violated demonstration restrictions. The new restrictions, which prohibit banners larger than 15 square feet in wilderness areas, were put in place shortly after the flag display. Joslin’s supporters claim the firing is unjust, while park officials defend the regulations, stating the priority is the protection of park resources and visitor experience.
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Yosemite National Park fired park ranger Shannon “SJ” Joslin in August for participating in a display of a transgender pride flag on El Capitan in May. Park leadership cited Joslin’s “failure to demonstrate acceptable conduct” by participating in the flag display, which the park considers a demonstration. The National Park Service is pursuing administrative action against multiple employees and possible criminal charges against visitors involved, though specific regulations allegedly violated were not disclosed. Joslin, who had previously worked for the park as a wildlife biologist and has now stated their intention to seek legal counsel and fight the termination.
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Ken Paxton asks judge to jail Beto O’Rourke for fundraising Texas Dems’ walkout. Honestly, this whole situation feels like something out of a dystopian novel, doesn’t it? It’s hard to believe that a state’s Attorney General is actively trying to get a political opponent, specifically Beto O’Rourke, jailed. And the reason? Fundraising that allegedly supported Texas Democrats during a walkout. It just screams of political maneuvering and a blatant attempt to silence opposition.
The crux of the matter seems to be a temporary injunction that Paxton claims O’Rourke violated. The specifics are somewhat murky, but apparently, O’Rourke made a statement at a rally – something about “f**k the rules” and encouraging support for retaliatory redistricting in other states.… Continue reading
A recent report by the UK-China Transparency (UKCT) think tank indicates that Chinese students at UK universities are being pressured to spy on their classmates, potentially suppressing discussion on sensitive topics. The report highlights the reluctance of some universities to address Chinese interference due to financial reliance on Chinese student fees, despite the new legislation enforcing academic freedom and free speech. Furthermore, the report alleges that some Chinese academics have faced visa denials, family harassment, and intimidation, with topics such as Xinjiang, COVID, and Chinese tech companies being considered sensitive. The Office for Students (OfS) has the power to address threats to free speech, including those from foreign states, and expects universities to exercise scrutiny over any arrangements that may compromise free speech.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood