NPR’s lawsuit against Trump’s executive order cutting public media funding centers on the order’s blatant retaliatory nature, explicitly labeling NPR and PBS as “biased media.” This direct attack on editorial choices, as detailed in the executive order and accompanying materials, constitutes viewpoint discrimination, violating the First Amendment. The lawsuit argues this action also breaches separation of powers, as the decision should reside with Congress, not the President, and due process. The case’s strength lies in Trump’s readily apparent retaliatory motive, making the unconstitutionality of the order undeniably clear.
Read More
A federal judge ruled that the White House must restore the Associated Press’s access to events where other journalists are permitted, citing a First Amendment violation. The judge found that the administration’s restriction of AP access, based on their refusal to use President Trump’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico, constituted viewpoint discrimination. The ruling mandates equal access for AP, not unrestricted access for all journalists. The White House’s claim of simply narrowing the press pool was rejected by the judge, who deemed their reasoning “brazen.” The decision is a victory for free speech advocates.
Read More
Karen Cahall, a long-time New Richmond Exempted Village Schools teacher, is suing the district for a three-day unpaid suspension stemming from four LGBTQ+-themed books in her classroom. The district, citing a vaguely worded policy on “controversial issues,” deemed the books unacceptable despite their non-obscene content and Cahall’s non-instructional use of them. The lawsuit alleges the policy is unconstitutionally vague and that the district engaged in viewpoint discrimination, violating Cahall’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Cahall claims economic loss due to the unjust suspension.
Read More
As I delve into the recent events surrounding the Federal judge’s critique of the DeSantis administration for threatening TV stations, I am struck by the blatant disregard for the fundamental rights outlined in the First Amendment. It is appalling to witness government officials attempting to silence dissenting voices and control the narrative through intimidation and coercion. The cease-and-desist letters sent to television stations airing a pro-abortion ad are a clear violation of free speech and a prime example of viewpoint discrimination.
The lawsuit filed against the state’s health department for these threats is a crucial step in upholding our constitutional rights.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker