Hey everyone. Yesterday we discussed the influence of the Enlightenment on the American colonies. We discussed how several ideas from the time period influenced a major court case in 1735, the John Peter Zenger case. Although the court case did not alter the colonies quickly, it became a rallying point once the colonists began to protest against the British.
At the end of class, we discussed the ideas of freedom of the press (as was shown in the Zenger case). I handed out a news article about a NJ teacher who is facing repercussions after she posted nasty comments on her Facebook wall about a school display that she disagreed with. Students of the school are currently planning a protest against the teacher.
The news article brings into question the idea of freedom of the press. With the creation of the Internet, many feel that freedom of the press is extended to blogs and social networks. With a profession such as teaching, however, many feel that some comments should not be said in public since teachers are public figures.
Your homework assignment is to read the news article about this teacher and I want you to develop your own opinion on the event. Should certain comments on social networks or blogs not be protected under the first amendment? To what extent should certain professions be limited in this type of publication? Please be ready to discuss in class tomorrow.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Have a great day and happy thinking!
~Mr. Mazur
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