Table of Contents
Shortell Declines Chairmanship After All
Just a quick update that Professor Timothy Shortell has decided not to take up the position as chair of the sociology department at Brooklyn College. This decision comes after controversy arose over his writings about religion and religious people on a non-school-related website. (Read David’s posts for more details about the legal implications for Shortell’s chairmanship and about freedom of speech for department chairs in general.)
Recent Articles
Get the latest free speech news and analysis from FIRE.
Can Congress subpoena a journalist for reporting a Delta Force commander’s name?
Congress can subpoena broadly — but hauling reporters in for publishing the news chills journalism and sidesteps the First Amendment.
Why are Miami police questioning a woman over Facebook posts?
Miami police showed up at a veteran’s door for criticizing her mayor on Facebook, proving free speech survives only if it's defended.
No, you can’t make students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance
A Tennessee school has learned — again — that forcing patriotism violates the First Amendment. Students can’t be punished for sitting during the Pledge.
Cops showing up at your door for political Facebook posts is absolutely intolerable in a free society
No one should have to fear that expressing a political opinion will lead to a knock on the door from the police.