When Sands BethWorks, of which Las Vegas Sands Corp. is the majority partner, deeded property for the Levitt Pavilion and the '21st Century Town Square' at the SteelStacks campus, they included a stipulation that the property could not be used for traditional free speech, especially anything related that could be construed as against the casino or supporting labor organizing … [Read more...] about Free Speech in the ‘Town Square’
1st Amendment
Bethlehem Police Supports Occupy Bethlehem
The following statement by the Bethlehem Police Department is a positive response to the Occupy! movement. We've posted it here because it is also a good recap of the reasons why protest is not only important, but is also protected by the Constitution. 21 October 2011 Bethlehem Police Supports Occupy Bethlehem The political group, Occupy Bethlehem, has indicated that they will … [Read more...] about Bethlehem Police Supports Occupy Bethlehem
Students’ Rights in Pennsylvania
Lehigh ValleyThe U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions guarantee certain rights, and most of them apply to students in public schools. The Pennsylvania School Code and the federal Equal Access Act spell out some additional rights for public-school students. For instance, students have the right to: Wear clothing, armbands, and buttons that express their views, even if they are … [Read more...] about Students’ Rights in Pennsylvania
Why Students’ Rights Are So Important
Although some schools act as if the Bill of Rights doesn't apply to students in school, the Supreme Court of the U.S. has made clear that it does apply. In many schools right here in the Lehigh Valley, students are denied the right to hand out leaflets, to wear clothing that expresses their opinions, to form clubs, and even to wear their hair as they please. In some cases, the … [Read more...] about Why Students’ Rights Are So Important
The Bill of Rights
(Amendments 1–10 to the U.S. Constitution, Ratified December 15, 1791) Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Amendment II A well … [Read more...] about The Bill of Rights
Freedom of Speech at Musikfest and other events
When a festival or special event takes over part of your town, it does not cancel the protections guaranteed under the First Amendment. In past years, free speech at Musikfest was confined to a single area. People were not permitted to hold banners on the bridges that overlook the festival — and an independent reporter was ordered to stop interviewing guests and shop owners on … [Read more...] about Freedom of Speech at Musikfest and other events
Free Speech
December 15 was Bill of Rights Day. To hear people talk about this proud tradition and how it distinguishes the USA from other countries, you’d think our freedoms here are robust and protected by the government itself. Really? I often see governments subverting First Amendment rights—even with actions that threaten nothing except the comfort of those in power. It … [Read more...] about Free Speech