Latest Censorship News
Some fear University of Michigan proposed policy on protests could quell free speech efforts
A University of Michigan proposal aimed at deterring disruptions on its Ann Arbor campus after anti-Israel protesters interrupted an honors convocation is sparking backlash from free speech advocates. Violations of the policy, which has yet to be implemented, could result in...
What to know about Elon Musk's 'free speech' feud with a Brazilian judge
SAO PAULO (AP) — Headline-grabbing billionaire Elon Musk is clashing with a Supreme Court justice in Brazil over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation on X, the social media platform Musk bought when it was Twitter. Since his takeover, Musk has upended many of...
Jailed Vietnamese dissident Pham Doan Trang to be honored by PEN America
NEW YORK (AP) — Imprisoned Vietnamese author-blogger-journalist Pham Doan Trang will be this year's recipient of PEN America's Barbey Freedom to Write Award, given by the literary and free expression organization to a “jailed writer of conscience.” Trang, 45, has written...
Town creates public art ordinance after free speech debate over doughnut mural
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire town's new ordinance that was pitched as “a path forward” for public artwork hasn't resolved a bakery owner's First Amendment dispute over a large pastry painting, and his lawyer predicts it will only lead to more litigation as town officials become...
Librarians fear new penalties, even prison, as activists challenge books
When an illustrated edition of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” was released in 2019, educators in Clayton, Missouri needed little debate before deciding to keep copies in high school libraries. The book is widely regarded as a classic work of dystopian literature about the...
GOP lawmaker says neo-Nazi comments taken out of context in debate over paramilitary training
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Republican state lawmaker is accusing Democrats of misrepresenting her remarks to make her sound like a Nazi sympathizer during a debate about a bill to restrict paramilitary training in the state. Rep. Laurel Libby, of Auburn, was speaking in opposition to...
Editorial Roundup: Kentucky
Bowling Green Daily News. March 30, 2024. Editorial: Free speech prevailed in WKU event Passions ran high on Western Kentucky University’s campus Wednesday as Kyle Rittenhouse spoke at the Downing Student Union. The controversial Rittenhouse gained...
Scotland's government says a new law will tackle hate crime. Critics say it could hurt free speech
LONDON (AP) — A new law against hate speech came into force in Scotland on Monday, praised by some but criticized by others who say its sweeping provisions could criminalize religious views or tasteless jokes. The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act makes it an offense to...
UN experts decry water woes in Guadeloupe and say scientists and activists are being censored
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — U.N. independent experts are denouncing chronic water cuts in the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, adding that they are concerned about tap water pollution, excessive prices and attempts to silence critics. They noted that activists, scientists...
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Michelangelo’s David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue’s religious and political significance is being diminished by the thousands of refrigerator...
