KU journalism professor Guth placed on leave as school reviews comment he made on Twitter on shootings

State censorship and punishment for political speech, isn't that what the Communists did? Thankfully, I cannot imagine that our governor is planning to unleash a KS version of the "Red Terror". But, the citizens of KS should push back against any acts of state sponsored censorship of political speech, no matter how small the act of censorship, and no matter how ugly the speech.

September 21, 2013 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KU journalism professor Guth placed on leave as school reviews comment he made on Twitter on shootings

No. He is an employee of the state. The Supreme court has made numerous rulings that teachers and other state employees cannot be fired for expressing political views. Most of the case law is about letters to the editors, but recent cases have been based on behaviors such as sending racist emails, and most recently "liking" something on Facebook. Think long and hard about whether you want the State of Kansas determining what IS and what IS NOT acceptable political speech.

September 21, 2013 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KU journalism professor Guth placed on leave as school reviews comment he made on Twitter on shootings

You should write a letter to the editor quoting this letter. What Leitch said was exactly right and should be repeated ad nauseum.

September 21, 2013 at 7:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Guth's tweet puts him in middle of political firestorm

His words were ugly. But, even ugly words are protected by the first amendment.

September 21, 2013 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KU journalism professor Guth placed on leave as school reviews comment he made on Twitter on shootings

Yes. And KU is a government institution. So, they are constitutionally prohibited from censuring him.

September 20, 2013 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KU journalism professor Guth placed on leave as school reviews comment he made on Twitter on shootings

Riiiiiiggghhhh! So, guns don't kill people, SSRIs kill people? Please follow your own logic.

As you note, "While there are millions of firearms in circulation in this country only a few are used for violence." Similarly, there are millions of Americans who take SSRI's (around 1 in 10 adults), but thankfully few commit acts of violence. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databrie...

I would remind you that the same law (HIPPA) that prohibited the sharing of the Naval Yard shooter's mental health history with the federal gun registry, is the same law that prohibits sharing of your medical history with your employer.

September 20, 2013 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

KU journalism professor Guth placed on leave as school reviews comment he made on Twitter on shootings

Actually, since KU is a "state run" school, then the the first amendment clearly and explicitly applies. The first amendment specifically prohibits governmental institutions (like a "state run" school) from prohibiting or penalizing political speech (and this is clearly an example). If KU were a private institution (like Baylor, or BYU), then there would be no problem firing this guy.

The idea that because KU is funded by tax payers, that you have a right to infringe on free speech is completely and Constitutionally 100% wrong.

September 20, 2013 at 4:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Education commissioner to respond to Kansas GOP resolution on Common Core standards

I find it interesting that none of the objections are about the actual standards, or educational merits of the standards. It's all hair on fire "here come the revenuers, Martha!"

September 19, 2013 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Editorial: School surprise

No body is talking about closing schools!!!! The purpose of this bond AND these revisions is to ADD capacity to existing schools so that kids can STAY in their current schools and don't have to be bused to a school that is farther away.

September 13, 2013 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Editorial: School surprise

But, the LJW DOES have an axe to grind. Their editorial position has consistently been on the side of closing schools. Of course any sensible person would look at these enrollment numbers and realize what a bad idea that would have been. But, hey- why not believe on Wed what you believed on Monday. Never mind what happened on Tuesday.

September 11, 2013 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )