While freedom of speech is a defining characteristic of the United States, the First Amendment right is often regulated within certain environments. For years, schools have attempted to monitor and regulate student communication both within the educational environment and in student use of social media and other online communication tools.…

In this article, we use a recent Manitoba child custody case to provide a legal and ethical account of the notion of the best interests of the child. We explore the tension between the best interests of the child and parental rights to expression of a racist nature. We consider how the interests of different actors--the state, parents and…

An exercise requiring students in an introductory mass communications course to comment on issues in a freedom of speech case revealed that students may be more supportive of freedom of speech than is sometimes thought. (RL)

Reviews key Supreme Court decisions on free speech rights of public employees. Advises school administrators to be vigilant in discipline or dismissal cases where freedom of speech is an issue. (MD)

In this book, the authors explore the unique situation in Hong Kong, a tiny jurisdiction in which there is active protection for the freedom of expression despite the close proximity and relationship with mainland China. Hong Kong scholars and intellectuals assume the responsibility of public critics, but this is not without an element of crisis.…

The question of whether someone can be sued for supposedly libelous statements in a solicited letter of recommendation is discussed. Defamation cases are being made harder for plaintiffs to win, since the Supreme Court's recognition that libel cases raise important free speech issues. (MLW)

Discusses the right to freedom of speech as it applies to the high school newspaper. Proposes guidelines to be followed by newspaper staff members when covering a controversial story. (FL)

The issue of freedom of the alumni press is explored in terms of the nature of freedom of the press, the institution's use of and need for alumni publications, pressures on alumni editors, and the future responsibilities of the alumni press. (JMF)

Discusses recent changes in Supreme Court interpretation of the First Amendment with regard to public school students, and reviews a 1988 case, Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, which decided in favor of the principals' right to censor written or spoken student communication. (MES)

A preliminary activity helps students learn that there are situations that require restrictions on freedom of speech. Students are then asked to imagine themselves as members of a Library Selection Committee charged with reviewing library materials which will be purchased by their school for the next year. (RM)

Describes some of the problems high school journalists face and suggests a series of safeguards that can be built into a system composed of a policy statement, a publications board, and an appeals process. (JL)

New challenges to the old ideal of academic freedom suggest that its traditional defense is inadequate, and must be connected to the ideal of ethical individualism. Compromises to academic freedom and freedom of speech generally should involve the distinction between doing deliberate harm to others, which is not protected, and some perceived right…

Cites a case involving a superintendent's cancellation of an objectionable school play and outlines how to make sure decisions about such matters will hold up in court. (JM)

Explains how one school newspaper handled the publication of a controversial story on teenage sex. Includes the student publications guidelines of the school district. (TJ)

Two study units are offered: (1) a primary and intermediate unit entitled "What Are the Boundaries of Freedom of Speech"; and (2) an intermediate unit entitled "What Are the Challenges of Freedom of Religion?" (MT)