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 in the Workplace: Can Employees Really Say Anything They Want?

2.Public Employees, Private Speech: 1st Amendment doesn't always protect government workers

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?