4-1 Discussion: Internet Law and Ethics

U.S. Constitution Excerpt: Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Review the following articles on free speech and the workplace:

1. First Amendment Freedom of Speech in the Workplace: Can Employees Say Anything They Want?
2. A Primer on Public Employee Freedom of Speech

For your initial post, choose one of the articles above and summarize the main points and discuss. In your discussion, consider the following questions:

• Do you believe that the First Amendment protects online speech, even if that speech is perceived by individuals or groups of individuals as offensive?
• Do employees have the right to free speech in the work place? What about speech made outside of work, even if such speech is hateful and offensive?
• What have you learned about the scope and nature of the free speech clause?