Author: jonathanturley

Academia, Bizarre, Free Speech

Stanford Advises Students That They Can Seek Support from the DEI Dean Who Supported Their Denial of Free Speech
In what may constitute the most tone deaf response to an academic scandal in history, Stanford University is advising conservative students involved with the recently cancelled Federalist Society event that they can “reach out” to various resources, including DEI Dean Tirien Steinbach who helped shutdown the event. It is akin to the Oscars telling Chris Rock that Will Smith is available as an emotional support coach. You know what is emotionally therapeutic for those denied free speech? Free speech.

Free Speech, International, Religion, Society

Canadian Student Suspended After Speaking Against Transgender Status and Rights

A Canadian high school student, Josh Alexander, 16, is at the center of a free speech fight in Ontario after he was arrested and criminally charged for attempting to attend class in violation of an exclusion order. Alexander was suspended from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Renfrew, Ontario after expressing his religious views on transgender status and rights. Continue reading “Canadian Student Suspended After Speaking Against Transgender Status and Rights” →

Academia, Free Speech

“No Squeeze” at Stanford: President and Law Dean Issue Apology that Omits One Critical Thing…

Yesterday, I published a column on the disgraceful actions taken by students and Stanford DEI Dean Tirien Steinbach in an event featuring Judge Kyle Duncan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Steinbach’s condemnation of Judge Duncan was chilling but hardly surprising. It is part of a sweeping environment of intolerance and orthodoxy in our institutions of higher education. Last night, Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Law School Dean Jenny Martinez issued a joint apology that is commendable in its words of regret, but conspicuous in its failure to promise any action against those who shutdown this event. It is like expressing regret over the sinking of the Titanic without addressing the design flaw. Continue reading ““No Squeeze” at Stanford: President and Law Dean Issue Apology that Omits One Critical Thing…” →

Academia, Columns, Free Speech

“Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?”: Stanford Dean Joins Mobs in Denouncing Federal Judge at Law School Event

Below is my column in Fox.com on the recent controversy at Stanford Law School over the canceling of remarks from Judge Stuart Duncan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. It was a chilling reminder of the anti-free speech movement sweeping across our universities, including our law schools. Continue reading ““Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?”: Stanford Dean Joins Mobs in Denouncing Federal Judge at Law School Event” →

Free Speech, Media, Politics

Steve Forbes Assaulted at Book Signing Event

This month, we witnessed another assault on a public figure by an increasingly aggressive element of American politics. The book signing event was disrupted and Steve Forbes was assaulted by protesters who did not want others to be able to speak with or hear him. The fact that this was a literary event is particularly fitting given the effort of many to prevent free expression in our society. Ironically, the book is titled “Stolen Youth: How Radicals Are Erasing Innocence and Indoctrinating a Generation.” 

Continue reading “Steve Forbes Assaulted at Book Signing Event” →

Academia, Constitutional Law

Can Universities Offer Faculty Race-Based Benefits in Seeking Tenure?
Courts, Lawyering, Politics

New Orleans Judge Under Fire for Failing to Disclose Interest in Mayoral Recall Effort

Jennifer Medley is one of many citizens who appear fed up with the crime and poor management of New Orleans. Medley reportedly joined thousands of others in signing a petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. As a single mom working in the city, she has good reason to be concerned. However, Medley is also a judge. Indeed, she is the very judge that just ruled on the recall effort without disclosing that her name is one of those seeking the recall. Continue reading “New Orleans Judge Under Fire for Failing to Disclose Interest in Mayoral Recall Effort” →

Academia, Free Speech

DePaul Students Seek to Ban Student Religious Group As “Non-Affirming” of LGBTQ Rights
Free Speech, International, Religion

British Minister Faces New Charges Under Counter-Terrorism Laws for Criticizing a Trans Woman

Today, a trial will begin for a French politician who was charged for criticizing immigration as a public danger. In the meantime, a Christian street preacher was reportedly facing criminal charges in the United Kingdom for declaring that a trans woman was really a “gentleman” and a “man in woman’s clothing.” The counter-terrorism unit arrested David McConnell, a Christian preacher who was already convicted last year for “harassment” in the incident last year. Continue reading “British Minister Faces New Charges Under Counter-Terrorism Laws for Criticizing a Trans Woman” →

Academia, Politics

The Massachusetts Flag Debate: History Deserves a Fair Hearing, Not Another Rush to Judgment

Various groups — and now Sen. Elizabeth Warren — are pushing to replace the seal and flag of the state as racist in promoting “white supremacy culture.” I admit that I tend to react instinctively in opposition to the removal of historic images or memorials. However, the Massachusetts flag dispute seemed strikingly similar to the debate that we recently had (and lost) at GW over our moniker “The Colonials.” Continue reading “The Massachusetts Flag Debate: History Deserves a Fair Hearing, Not Another Rush to Judgment” →

Congress, Constitutional Law, Criminal law, Media

Did the “QAnon Shaman” Get Shafted on Sentencing? New Footage Raises Questions Over the Chansley Case

If there is one image from Jan. 6th that will remain indelible with the day, it is the “QAnon Shaman.” Bare chested and wearing an animal headdress, horns and red-white-and-blue face paint, Jake Angeli Chansley is to the Capitol riot what Rosie the Riveter was to World War II. Howling and “chanting an unintelligible mantra” on the Senate floor, he is the embodiment of the unhinged rage that led to one of the most disgraceful attacks on our constitutional process in history. Continue reading “Did the “QAnon Shaman” Get Shafted on Sentencing? New Footage Raises Questions Over the Chansley Case” →

Free Speech, International

French Politician Faces Criminal Trial for Immigration Criticism
Columns, Criminal law, Media

The Curious Story of QAnon Shaman: Fox Footage Raises New Questions Over the Chansley Case

Below is my column in the New York Post on the recently disclosed videotapes from Jan. 6th. The tapes include images never seen before by the public of that day. However, my interest was drawn primarily to the images of “QAnon Shaman” Jacob Chansley being escorted through the Capitol. That footage raises serious questions about Chansley’s case in my view.

I am continuing to pursue the implications of the video today, but here is the column:

Continue reading “The Curious Story of QAnon Shaman: Fox Footage Raises New Questions Over the Chansley Case” →

Academia

“Teaching is a Political Act”: UNT Course Raises Questions Over Political Agendas in Public Education
There is a new controversy over political agendas in education after the release of course materials from the University of North Texas (UNT) for future K-12 educators. It is important to keep in mind that this is just one school. However, the controversy raises, again, the question of whether universities are pushing a more activist model for education. We saw a similar activist movement emerge out of journalism schools that is now taking hold in mainstream media.  The concern over the UNT controversy is whether it is indicative of a wider effort that is causing many families to leave public education. Continue reading ““Teaching is a Political Act”: UNT Course Raises Questions Over Political Agendas in Public Education” →