Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Latest Breaking News
In reply to the discussion: Student's arrest for racist post sparks free speech debate [View all]stopdiggin
(11,236 posts)59. the 'state' should not punish
Your boss may fire you (within certain constraints). And your neighbors, church and spouse might shun you until the cows come home. Little League parents will very like decide you will not be coaching a team this year (and your kids glad for it). But, being an obnoxious ass (even an hateful ass) is still one of the freedoms you enjoy as a citizen.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
97 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
coming soon, blasphemy laws. seems like there are other ways to handle such rotten behavior nt
msongs
May 2021
#2
This case is a bit tricky though as he posted it online so the school has actually no say on what he
cstanleytech
May 2021
#29
It is legal to be a racist, bigoted, xenophobic asshole. It's legal to say racist, bigoted things.
Jedi Guy
May 2021
#93
Defamation cases are difficult to win and even then it would be a civil case not criminal.
cstanleytech
May 2021
#30
"Hate speech" is protected by the First Amendment, so that law is definitely unconstitutional.
Jedi Guy
May 2021
#10
Schools are rather limited though when it comes to disciplining students off school grounds.
cstanleytech
May 2021
#32
Expulsion might not even work unless he posted it online using school equipment
cstanleytech
May 2021
#34
Is that really different than asking "Why is Donald Trump not behind bars?"
NutmegYankee
May 2021
#51
Where ACLU is missing the boat here: the speech wasn't about all members of a class ...
marble falls
May 2021
#14
Libel and slander were not specific to this case, it speaks to the concept that not all free ...
marble falls
May 2021
#26
The swings both ways. They are passing laws to stop "offensive topics" being taught or discussed
AZLD4Candidate
May 2021
#45
I teach social studies. Can't teach freedom of speech without offensive things being taught
AZLD4Candidate
May 2021
#73
No government, no matter how high or petty, can dictate what is orthodox in politics, religion,
AZLD4Candidate
May 2021
#79