Exercising Your Right to Free Speech as a Government Employee
Let’s look at how government employees can serve while voicing their concerns about important social and political issues.
Posts Tagged: free speech
Social Media & Free Speech: Appeals Court Gives Facebook Thumbs Up
Score a victory for free speech on social media. In case you missed it, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond recently overturned a lower court decision in a closely watched lawsuit involving First Amendment protections on social media (Bland v. Roberts 12-1671). The suit centered on state employees of a sheriff’s officeRead… Read more »
Global Communications: “Doomsday” Reactions from USA, China, Russia
“It’s the end of the world as we know it…and I feel fine.” – R.E.M. – Okay, so the world did not end last Friday afterall (take a deep breath and slowly exhale). Whew…what a relief. Now we can all take a “time out” to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. That is,Read… Read more »
Facebook & Free Speech: Gov Workers Fired for Clicking “Like”
While most users of Facebook and similar social media sites may assume that all online activity is protected free speech, this might not always be the case — including for public sector employees. One recent judicial ruling, which has set off alarm bells among online free speech advocates, should cause govies to take notice sinceRead… Read more »
Daily Dose: Did BART Violate Free Speech?
This month, San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit system disabled service in an effort to thwart protests organized by the group Anonymous. Although cell phone service was only disrupted for a few hours, experts are debating whether BART violated the first amendment or were simply acting in the public safety. BART officials point to theRead… Read more »
GovBytes: Should Government Regulate Employees’ Personal Social Media Use?
Government employees know that they have to be careful about what they say when blogging, Tweeting, or posting on Facebook in an official capacity. But what about on your own time? According to Government Technology, officials in Kent County, Delaware recently tried to bar employees from posting negative comments about their job on social mediaRead… Read more »
Engage or Disengage?
You might like to read this News report from the ABC http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/03/2808495.htm?section=justin It seems the situation in regard to social media is just as inconsistent at the political level in Australia as it is in the public service. What are the implications for Gov 2.0? Not good I suggest.