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Category Archives: First Amendment

The Sun wins 10 awards in NENPA contest

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BOSTON -- The Sun and its staff were honored with 10 awards, including four first-place awards, by the New England Newspaper and Press Association on Saturday night.

The awards were presented at the annual NENPA banquet at the Boston Seaport Hotel.

Judges from across the country pored over more than 3,000 entries in the New England Better Newspaper Contest, the region's largest writing, photography and multimedia contest. The Sun is in the highly competitive class of newspapers with a circulation of 30,000 or more.

The award winners are:

* Business/Economic Reporting, first place: Grant Welker, for his continuing coverage of the Market Basket family feud.

* Spot News Story, first place: Given to John Collins, Hiroko Sato, former staffers Lyle Moran and Rick Sobey, and summer intern Andy Mal, for their coverage of a July fire on Branch Street in Lowell that killed seven people.

* Right to know, first place: For a series of stories and editorials on the public's right to know and First Amendment issues. The Sun's entry included coverage of the Brame case, a fatal accident involving a Westford police officer, a secret payment given to a retiring Westford fire chief, and both stories and editorials about government limiting access to public meetings and records.

* Humor Columnist, first place: Given to Dan Phelps, for columns on Nashua schools banning tag and on the Dracut political scene.

* Crime and Courts Reporting, second place: Enterprise Editor Christopher Scott, reporters Rob Mills, Grant Welker and Lisa Redmond, and Moran, for wall-to-wall coverage of the death of Alyssa Brame in a Lowell cellblock.

* Editorial Writing, second place: Sun Editor Jim Campanini

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The Sun wins 10 awards in NENPA contest

First Amendment Foundation seeks special prosecutor in FDLE case

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TALLAHASSEE -- An open-government advocacy group has requested that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ouster of former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey.

Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation, wrote an open letter to Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet members that cited Leon County State Attorney Willie Meggs' decision not to investigate the matter.

Earlier this month, the foundation also asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint a prosecutor from outside Leon County to conduct an investigation, something Bondi said she didn't have the authority to do.

The requests stem, at least in part, from questions about whether open-meetings laws were violated in discussions about Bailey's removal in December.

Media organizations, including the Orlando Sentinel and News Service of Florida, as well as open-government advocates also have filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the Sunshine Law.

"There is intense public interest regarding this matter and we think it imperative that an independent investigation be conducted to address the serious constitutional issues related to Mr. Bailey's departure,'' Petersen wrote in the open letter dated Thursday. "The continuing controversy erodes public trust and confidence in the highest levels of our government. Additionally, the controversy and ensuing media coverage calls into question Florida's well-deserved reputation as having the most progressive open government laws in the nation."

After Bailey was ousted by Scott, the former FDLE commissioner claimed that the governor and his staff had urged influence his department to take unethical actions, including accusing a former Orange County Clerk of the Court of illegal activity. The Governor's Office has denied his allegations.

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First Amendment Foundation seeks special prosecutor in FDLE case

First Amendment Test San Clemente Hosts DUI And License Checkpoint Feb 13 2015 – Video

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First Amendment Test San Clemente Hosts DUI And License Checkpoint Feb 13 2015
READ http://tinyurl.com/SanClementeDUI Feb 13 2015 - Residence in San Clemente were treated to a surprise Friday evening while driving northbound on El Camin...

By: TheJunkyard News

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First Amendment Test San Clemente Hosts DUI And License Checkpoint Feb 13 2015 - Video

Filming LAPD – Gardena Police – California Highway Patrol – First Amendment Compliance – Video

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Filming LAPD - Gardena Police - California Highway Patrol - First Amendment Compliance
Zebra and Katman monitor and document local government officials to test their compliance with First Amendment rights to free press. All police on this night...

By: Onus News Service

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Filming LAPD - Gardena Police - California Highway Patrol - First Amendment Compliance - Video

Edward Snowden on the First Amendment: Livestream in Hawaii – Video

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Edward Snowden on the First Amendment: Livestream in Hawaii
Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower on the run, spoke at ACLU Hawaii #39;s Davis Levin First Amendment Conference live, Feb. 14, 2015, via a video link from Moscow, Russia. His attorney, Ben...

By: Honolulu Civil Beat

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Edward Snowden on the First Amendment: Livestream in Hawaii - Video

Judge: No violation to remove rest-area strip club brochures

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February 18, 2015, 10:55 AM Last updated: Wednesday, February 18, 2015, 10:56 AM

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) A federal judge says a strip club did not have its First Amendment rights violated when its brochures were removed from New Jersey highway rest areas.

P.R.B.A. Corporation, which runs the Bare Essentials club in Atlantic City sued in 2012 after an employee of HMS Host Toll Roads ordered that its brochures be removed from rest areas on the Atlantic City Expressway and Garden State Parkway.

The club operator argued that it was a First Amendment violation to bar one brochure because of what it was promoting.

But the constitutional free speech protections apply only to government entities, not private companies like Host, which has a contract to run toll road plazas.

In a Feb. 6 ruling, U.S. District Judge Renee Bumb found that Host could legally remove the brochures.

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Judge: No violation to remove rest-area strip club brochures

'Duck Dynasty' star to win first amendment award

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - 10:43am

"Duck Dynasty" Star Phil Robertson will receive Citizens United's first amendment award at the Conservative Political Action Conference, known as CPAC, next weekend in Maryland.

The controversial television star who was suspended for controversial remarks in 2013 has become a hero to conservatives supporting freedom of speech.

"In a time where conservative Christians are under attack by the media and pop culture, Phil Robertson continues to courageously stand by Truth and his convictions," said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United in a release. "I can think of no better person to present the "Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award" to than Mr. Phil Robertson."

The award is named after Breitbart, former editor of the eponymous site who passed away in 2012. Conservative Radio star Mark Levin received the award last year.

Robertson, a devout Christian, was briefly suspended from the show for remarks he made about homosexuality in GQ magazine.

"It seems like, to me, a vagina---as a man---would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer," he said. "I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

After public protest, A&E Networks lifted the ban and let Robertson continue filming the highly successful show based on their lives in Louisiana.

CNN also learned Citizens United's next Freedom Summit will be held in South Carolina this spring. After the success of their Iowa Summit in January, which launched Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's current lead in some polls, the group is aiming to impact the first-in-the-South primary state as well.

The group came into the mainstream during the 2010 Supreme Court case, Citizens United vs. Federal Election Committee, which gave way to the creation of Super Pacs, groups that can take unlimited donations independent of a political candidate or party.

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'Duck Dynasty' star to win first amendment award

'Duck Dynasty' star to CPAC for Breitbart award

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The controversial television star who was suspended for controversial remarks in 2013 has become a hero to conservatives supporting freedom of speech.

"In a time where conservative Christians are under attack by the media and pop culture, Phil Robertson continues to courageously stand by Truth and his convictions," said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United in a release. "I can think of no better person to present the "Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award" to than Mr. Phil Robertson."

The award is named after Breitbart, former editor of the eponymous site who passed away in 2012. Conservative Radio star Mark Levin received the award last year.

Robertson, a devout Christian, was briefly suspended from the show for remarks he made about homosexuality in GQ magazine.

"It seems like, to me, a vaginaas a manwould be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer," he said. "I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

After public protest, A&E Networks lifted the ban and let Robertson continue filming the highly successful show based on their lives in Louisiana.

CNN also learned Citizens United's next Freedom Summit will be held in South Carolina this spring. After the success of their Iowa Summit in January, which launched Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's current lead in some polls, the group is aiming to impact the first-in-the-South primary state as well.

The group came into the mainstream during the 2010 Supreme Court case, Citizens United vs. Federal Election Committee, which gave way to the creation of Super Pacs, groups that can take unlimited donations independent of a political candidate or party.

During her run for the Democratic nomination, the group released "Hillary: The Movie", which featured conservative politicians and activists giving their take on Hillary Clinton's record as former first lady and then-senator.

The Supreme Court ruled against the group, which protested bans on advertising it during the 2008 primary season.

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'Duck Dynasty' star to CPAC for Breitbart award

'Duck Dynasty' Star to Receive Free-Speech Award

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Courtesy of A&E Phil Robertson of 'Duck Dynasty'

Fourteen months after he sparked a major controversy for making remarks widely perceived as anti-gay, Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has been named the recipient of a free-speech award from Citizens United, an organization routinely disparaged by Hollywood liberals.

Robertson will receive the "Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award" at this years Conservative Political Action Conference, which is better known as CPAC and is one of the biggest annual events for prominent movers and shakers on the right.

"When one does not have the freedom to speak out loud and anywhere what one believes, freedom is dead," said Robertson, who is set to receive his award at CPAC on Feb. 27 in National Harbor, Md.

The Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award was created more than a year ago, and the first one went to conservative radio host Mark Levin, given to him last year, also at CPAC.

Email: Paul.Bond@THR.com

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'Duck Dynasty' Star to Receive Free-Speech Award

Anali’s First Amendment

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I've learned to dream big here and to believe in the possibility. My first post on this blog was on April 29th, but it was about my birthday being September 11th. I really didn't know what to expect back then, but it has been quite a journey.

We've come full circle here. Today is September 11th and this birthday is a big one. A new decade. As I leave one decade and move to another, I'm also leaving this blog home and moving to a new blog home.

This is the last post on this blog. I had always wondered how it would end. Now this is it.

I had been thinking about having my own domain for years and wanted to have a blog professionally designed. Over the summer, it started feeling more like this was time. I've had more freelance writing work and wanted to combine my old writing website with my blog. Now it's done!

I will keep the blog post archives on this blog alive for as long as Blogger is free. Most likely the Recipe Index and Life List will remain as well. Other parts of the blog will be getting pared down over time.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this blog over the eight years! Hopefully you'll join me as I take the next step over to Anali's Next Amendment.

The url is analisamendmentblog.com. See you at my new blog home!

Anali's First Amendment 2006-2014. All rights reserved. This Posts Link Follow me on Twitter and Instagram Join me on Facebook. Shopping on Amazon today? If so, please consider starting here and help support this blog.

The Next Amendment

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Anali's First Amendment

University shortchanges students on speech policy

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A recent email about the code of conduct was left untouched in most students inboxes, yet the new changes to Loyolas Student Code of Conduct are some of the largest inroads for students to voice their opinions on campus.

Our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom to assemble are largely up to Loyola to interpret. Because Loyola is a private university, it can set its own standards to restrict students First Amendment rights. Although some changes seem inconsequential, others seem to attempt to stifle students voices.

The university altered the definition of assembly in its Student Code of Conduct. The guidelines explain that the act of two or more people protesting is considered a public expression.

This terminology seems to add some ambiguity to these guidelines. Would controversial T-shirts count as a public statement? Furthermore, two students who want to hand out flyers encouraging voter registration, or flyers condemning a university practice, would be severely restricted by this change in language. This new terminology is confusing and was created to give Loyola the power to determine what behaviors are too controversial.

There are also new stipulations on where Loyola students can assemble. The new guidelines state that demonstrations will be considered disruptive if they occur inside university buildings other than the Damen Student Center and Terry Student Center. This seriously limits the number of people that can protest at one time.

It is not a new practice for universities to designate areas for protesters, which are most commonly called designated public forums. However, the problem with the locations Loyola has designated is the serious space and location restrictions. Living southwest of campus, I rarely make it to the Damen Student Center, and a good deal of upperclassmen and commuter students most likely dont either.

The only open area in the Terry Student Center would be the entrance lounge area, which would severely block traffic since it is a stairwell, the entrance to Ninas Cafe and the entrance to Baumhart Hall. A protest focused in large open areas such as the quad would garner much more attention, support and notoriety. Loyola would rather have students protest off to the corners of the student center, which is not a centrally located campus gathering place.

Many social movements of the 1960s and 70s started on college campuses, attracting thousands of people. What if Loyola students wanted to start a large-scale demonstration, one that connected a community of people with similar values?

The Damen Student Center and Terry Student Center simply do not have the capacity to hold a large group of supporters, which is key to a successful movement. With these new guidelines, the university has the power to simply remove protestors outside of these designated zones. If the Loyola and Rogers Park community felt strongly enough about a certain issue, I would want us to stand up for what we believed in not be cordoned off to a designated zone.

These changes are serious attacks on students ability to express themselves. Yet some of the most disturbing restrictions were previously present in the student conduct handbook.

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University shortchanges students on speech policy

NPR ombudsman: Beware First Amendment fundamentalists

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Edward Schumacher Matos last day as the listeners representative at NPR gave him one last opportunity to poke his bosses in the eyes, and he did so taking on a couple of sacred cows: the assertion of bias and the reach of the First Amendment.

In his final post last week before vacating the job, Schumacher-Matos warned of fundamentalism, but not the kind involving religion the kind involving journalists and ethics.

And he acknowledged that NPR has a bias. But not the one you might think.

As a public media that receives some 11 percent of its funding indirectly from the government, it cannot be partisan or have a declared bias. With multiple streams of other incomefoundations, corporations and individualsit also is not under the same pressure as the commercial news media to do so.

But lets be honest: NPR has a bias of sorts. It is the bias of its college-educated audienceyou and meto pick and frame stories in ways that represent our interests. This is not a liberal basis, as the far right likes to claim. It is a center-right to center-left bias interested in fact-based analysis and policy on matters such as the environment, health care, gay rights and fiscal issues, as opposed to ideology or belief.

Over my four years I received more complaints from the left than the right, and not because Republicans arent listening. Audience polls show a pretty even Republican-Democrat breakdown, with even more listeners self-identifying as independent. It is that the political debate today and coverage is between the centrists and the far right; the far left feels ignored.

You will decide for yourself whether this is a good bias for NPR to have. I like it. As the news media fractures along narrow, advocacy lines, I think the NPR breadth and framing is valuable for the nation. With its strong storytelling voice, moreover, NPR is a peculiar institution in a way that perhaps only radio and podcasts can be. It is intimate with us, and has become part of our lives.

Schumacher-Matos also criticized fundamentalism among journalists who insist on broad First Amendment protections.

The French news media may have their ethical standards, but they are not American or sacred universal ones, and they shouldnt be French ones either. The United States has never had absolute freedom of the press. And the framers of the Constitution I once held the James Madison Visiting Professor Chair on First Amendment Issues at Columbia University never intended it to. You wouldnt know this, however, from listening to the First Amendment fundamentalists piping up from Washington to Silicon Valley.

Its an odd thing for a journalist to write, attorney Eugene Volokh writes today on his Washington Post blog

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NPR ombudsman: Beware First Amendment fundamentalists

UPDATE: Group Says Teacher Memorial at School Violates First Amendment

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UPDATE 2/11/15 @ 11:25 p.m. RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A school in Jackson County, West Virginia, is facing religious scrutiny over a memorial honoring a teacher who passed away.

Ravenswood Middle School received a letter from the Freedom of Religion Foundation, saying it violates the First Amendment.

One by one on Wednesday, cars drove by Ravenswood Middle School, catching a glimpse of what may be the most controversial thing in town.

"I think that everybody is very outspoken," said Tracie Sadecky.

Unfortunately, Sadecky remembers why the memorial was put up in the first place.

Back in 2004, Joann Christy, a teacher who taught at the school for more than a quarter of a century, was killed in an accident.

"There's so many kids that came through this school that were affected by her death, that were affected by her teachings, and now we're just trying to keep her memory alive here," Sadecky said.

Sadecky, along with some others, feel that memory may soon slip away.

The Freedom of Religion Foundation recently notified the school, saying the crosses and angels on the memorial are a violation of the separation of church and state.

"The First Amendment mandates that schools cannot advance or promote religion, so that's what this display is doing," said Patrick Elliott, a staff attorney with FORF.

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UPDATE: Group Says Teacher Memorial at School Violates First Amendment


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