Archives for First Amendment Updates
House Reintroduces Freedom to Read Protection Act
March 10, 2005
Representative Bernard Sanders (I-VT) reintroduced the “Freedom to Read Protection Act” (H.R.1157) to the House yesterday.
Censorship on Television: When Crying “Indecency” Goes Too Far
February 18, 2005
PEN USA is concerned with the self-censoring due to the desperation gripping television networks lately. Stations are censoring themselves before the FCC or an outspoken religious minority can fine, slander, or boycott them.
Journalists Pressured into Revealing Sources
February 16, 2005
PEN USA’s First Amendment Action Committee is concerned about the growing number of journalists being threatened with legal action for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Apple versus Think Secret- What it means for Free Press
January 30, 2005
PEN USA is concerned with the case surrounding “Nick de Plume” and his blog Think Secret, now embroiled in a lawsuit with Apple, Inc. Because bloggers are considered by many to be protected by the First Amendment the same as any other journalist, this lawsuit has become a very serious First Amendment issue.
New Orleans, Louisiana- Student Lost Suit on Drawing-Related Expulsion
January 10, 2005
PEN USA’s First Amendment Action Committee denounces the actions of East Ascension High School toward a student expelled for drawing a picture in his own home. The drawing depicted the school surrounded by fire and guns, torches and missiles. In March 2001, Adam Porter was expelled after the picture was brought to another school by his younger brother. Adam Porter did not show the drawing to anyone, nor use it as a threat. However, he was charged with “terrorizing” and expelled.