Freedom of Speech

I just watched the videos about the Westboro Baptist Church. This chuch believes that tragic events such as the death of American soldiers, the AIDS epidemic, and even 9/11 are punishments that God has inflicted on America for disobeying his commandments and sinning. America's most heinous sin, in their eyes, is telling its people that its OK to be gay. Essentially, God hates America, because American law does not punish homosexuality. According to the Westboro Baptist Church, homosexuals are disobeying the commandment that says: "Thou shall not commit adultery".

Members of the Westboro Baptist church gathered at funerals of soldiers displaying signs that read "THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS", "GOD HATES AMERICA", "GOD HATES FAGS" and even "FAGS EAT POOP". It is even more disturbing that these members felt good about inflicting even more pain onto the families of dead soldiers. They truly believe that they are performing good works by informing the nation of God's wrath, highliting that we will indeed be punished for our social liberalism.

One can't help but wonder: Should this be allowed? How is it constitutional to hold up a sign at a soldier's funeral that reads "THANK GOD FOR DEAD SOLDIERS"? How can people be allowed to stand on street corners with signs that say "THANK GOD FOR AIDS", screaming that not only is homosexuality a sin, but that all homosexuals should be killed? It's hard to believe that these disgusting displays of hatred and intolerance are a result of that same principle that makes our nation beautiful: the principle that in any circumstance (as long as we are not imposing danger) citizens have the right to voice their opinions and beliefs.

As much as I disagree with and am disgusted by the beliefs and actions of the Westboro Baptist Church, I feel no resentment towards the constitution's protection over this form of speech. I'm going to have to go with Voltaire on this one: "I may not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Although the free speech of the Westboro Baptist Church is disturbing, it has sparked debate that causes many to feel more firm in their own beliefs. As seen on the news reports about the church, two reporters conducted public arguments with the leader of this church, emphasizing this nation's coice to elevate such priciples as tolerance and compassion. Disallowing Westboro church members from this form of free speech would not prevent them from thingking the way they do. It would only shelter America from the hatred that exists, leaving no oppurtunity to destroy it.

Getting Creative with a Quote

Follow link to view a music video of Libby Childers' new hit "I Can't Speak Up".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwfV0gRm3_E

Dress Codes

Above: Abi Clark pictured in her first grade Catholic school uniform

In order to limit distractions and keep clothing appropriate for the learning environment, schools often implement dress codes. But when is a dress code considered overbearing and invasive to one’s First Amendment rights? At my K-8 school, a private Catholic school, we were very constricted in what we were allowed to wear and do with our appearance. We had plaid skirts with white blouses, the boys wore navy or khaki pants with white blouses, and even wearing makeup or dying your hair was prohibited. However, though it was annoying at times, however since it was a private school, the constitution did not prohibit such a restricting dress code and uniform. At University of North Carolina School of the Arts though, the student body’s freedom of speech is protected and fully embraced by our “dress code.” The UNCSA dress code states that, “Sunbathing is allowed only on the hill area north of the Hanes Student Commons and beyond the Elephants. Sunbathers must wear appropriate bathing suits.” In other words, you have to wear more than a bathing suit at all times unless sunbathing on “the hill.” Also, we are required to wear shoes in the academic building and in the commons. There are no regulations prohibiting avocation of certain religious or political beliefs. Especially with being at an arts school, they are understanding of our needs. For instance, at the library there is a sign that reads:

Shirt and shoes must be worn.

Or equivalent: such as a leotard.

Only at an arts school would they account for the dancers running from ballet to English class!

First Amendment Test

We received a 28 out of 30 on the First Amendment Test. We learned that public schools cannot enforce “speech codes” that seek to limit speech that many might find offensive. We thought that perhaps in order to make a learning environment more comfortable for all, they might be able to limit harassment of people for race, religion, gender, etc, but these so-called “speech codes” are considered unconstitutional. We also learned that, in the question posed, “Can a reporter be sent to jail for refusing a judge's order to reveal the identity of his or her news source?” that in fact, the reporter can be sent to jail for this situation. Though there are some protections for reporters working with confidential information, the protection is not absolute. There have been many instances where journalists have accepted the penalty of going to jail in order to honor the confidentiality of the source and the public’s right to know.

A Day in the Life with NO Civil Liberties

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSTsse0I3LA

A Short Film