Reply to N word at Whitman

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Seems like these incidents aren’t isolated. [/quote]

Our kids have every right to express themselves whether you approve or not. This is America and we support free speech. [/quote]

The government has always reserved the right to put restrictions on what speech is allowed.  It is illegal to yell "Fire" in a crowded building or event like a theater, concert or sporting event.  It is not legal to defame someone falsely (e.g. libel and slander).  It is not legal to mislead law enforcement.  Child pornography is not allowed.  Inciting illegal action--including inciting someone to violate the current proscriptions in the hate crimes laws.  The list of restricted speech is actually pretty significant.

That said, even if it isn't restricted speech, the freedom of speech does not give you a freedom from consequences.  Just because you are entitled to say something, does not mean that it will be said without penalty.

And finally, the courts have rules that while students in public schools retain their right to free speech, schools are allowed to regulate certain forms of student expression.  This short article gives a good explanation:
[url]https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/about/faq/what-rights-to-freedom-of-expression-do-students-have/[/url]
[quote]Though public school students do possess First Amendment freedoms, the courts allow school officials to regulate certain types of student expression. For example, school officials may prohibit speech that substantially disrupts the school environment or that invades the rights of others. Many courts have held that school officials can restrict student speech that is lewd.[/quote]

And public school officials can certainly restrict racist terms that may harm others (such as the 'n' word) or that could be considered lewd or obscene (such as profanity).[/quote]

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