Plus: seven students refused to record apology videos, a judge threw out Trump’s case over five kids who wanted to play, and a whistleblower’s map landed in federal court
Requiring nineteen-year-old students to record forced video apologies just for standing quietly in a room is wild. Huge credit to those kids for holding their ground and calling FIU’s bluff in court.
It really is wild, Sam. Forcing students to record public humiliation videos just for peaceful, silent presence was a blatant overreach. Huge respect to those students for knowing their rights and standing tall! Talk to you in 30 seconds
It's an interesting problem. They certainly have First Amendment rights protecting them if they have something to say. The question is whether or not they owe an apology to spectators whose view of the game or court they blocked. But it was the school, not the spectators, who were complaining. So it's unclear that they owe the school an apology for anything, or for what.
You bring up a thoughtful legal angle, Fred! Thankfully the court recognized that a brief, peaceful demonstration doesn't strip students of their basic constitutional protections.
The students could have been an interference, and if they were experienced that way, other spectators would have complained (they didn't), or ushers or security would have asked them to stay seated (they didn't). So the school does not have what the law would call "standing" (sorry for the pun) to complain later, on its own, and demand anything.
If, at a classical music concert, a few audience members stood up and made distracting noise, someone would have addressed that at the moment. The conductor would have done that. The idea of coming back to them later, and demanding any kind of concession, would be out of the question. Make a list of who they were, and don't sell them a ticket next time.
If people are annoyed by a 3 minute view block then they should never attend a concert, game or any spectator activity where people regularly stand up. The fact that blocking a view for a few minutes takes precedence over the rights and dignity of human beings is part of the reason we are in this mess right now.
Such a smart thing that the students went to the ACLU and matters proceeded as they did, with the result you report here. Hear, hear to all the comments above, readers’ observations about this event. ICE OUT definitely is not an unpopular sentiment across our nation. Amen.
So grateful to these courageous students and for the ruling. To note,FIU prez is a DeSantis appointee who was instrumental in appointing the new interim law school dean,a Trump ally and former personal attorney who was involved in the J6 slush fund debacle.You couldn’t make this stuff up !
Then you and the article you linked resolved it. The students had their rights, (security never even made an attempt to intervene), and that's the end of it.
Silence often speaks louder than words, especially when all you hear is meaningless noise. Save your precious energy for what matters rather than wasting it on fools.
Wise advice on preserving our energy for the fights that truly count, Sister Stan. Staying grounded and intentional keeps us in the game for the long haul!
Sister Stan said "often" not all the time. And the GOP isn't completely silent. Many still love to tout the propaganda and outright lies and corruption of this regime over the airwaves.
Targeting five trans kids and threatening $44 billion in state education funding is just cruel. So glad to see Judge Valenzuela throw this case out for good!
Using billions in funding to target vulnerable kids was beyond unconscionable. So thankful for judges like Judge Valenzuela who uphold fairness and basic decency!
I’ll be voting by mail or should I say “Dropbox” like I have for years. When I lived in AZ there were always propositions that required study and reflection. If I voted in person I wouldn’t have the resources I need to make informed decisions.
Becoming trans can’t be an easy decision but just like any minority it isn’t our business to judge. School aide is for everyone!
Couldn’t agree more, Patti! Voting at home gives you the time to properly research local ballot questions, and public education funding should support every single child without judgment.
In the county where I live, the local government mails a sample ballot to each registered voter well before absentee and election day voting begins. I take the time to review the ballot, study issues regarding amendments, and research the candidates. Before I fill out the sample ballot, I contact a friend who is heavily involved in state and local politics to see if she agrees with my choices. Then, I take the ballot with me to the polling place and use it to complete my official ballot. Taking the time before voting, saves so much time when actually voting.
Trump thinks we're going to run out of steam? How can we, when he keeps pouring gasoline on the file and stirring the pot?
I feel like we've been living in a state of near-constant outrage forever; it's hard to believe the peace Biden gave us was only 2 years ago. Hopefully the next Democratic president is only 2 years away.
That’s the irony, MB—every attempt to exhaust the public only fuels greater resolve and determination! Two years of relentless pushback will pay off at the ballot box.
My entire state votes by mail, but I won't be returning my ballot that way, I'll use a drop box and follow it up using the state tracking system to be sure it's accepted and counted.
Thanks for the reminder: I usually place my mail-in ballot in the USPS mailbox at the post office. AZ (maybe other states) offer these options for returning a mail-in ballot: 1) You can drop your ballot off at any in-person early voting locations, including the County Recorder’s Office or Elections Office.
2) Some counties have secured ballot drop boxes. You can drop your ballot off in any ballot drop box in your county.
3) You can drop your ballot off at any voting location in your county on Election Day. No need to wait in line. Just head straight inside the voting location and drop it in the early ballot bin. You can get an I Voted sticker too!
Unfortunately, I no longer trust the USPS to make sure my ballot gets to the right place. I'm going with option 1.
We usually get our ballot in the mail and deliver it completed to a secure box at City Hall. If that doesn't happen - if we don't get our ballots - we will vote in person as early as possible. As for those FIU students, thank goodness for their courage. Not sure I had as much when I was 19.
Secure drop boxes at City Hall are fantastic, Frances! And those FIU students proved that youth and moral clarity can take on enormous institutional pressure and win.
I sent my request for an absentee ballot. If I actually receive it, I’ll take it to the county drop box. If I don’t receive it, I’ll head to the BOE on the first day of early voting here in Ohio. 🇺🇸🗳️ VOTE BLUE UP AND DOWN THE BALLOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The entire idea of threatening students with actions against their education is vile, and YES at 19 I would be there with them. I am one of those "Nasty women" ( RIP Gloria S)
I am in California and I will get my vote by mail ballot. There is an option of filling it out at home and taking it to a polling place. That is my plan and have a poll worker accept it and review the exterior for accuracy if it comes to this.
Standing strong, Patrisha... I would have been right there next to you. I thought Steinem and Dolly would live forever... their impact on the world will continue. RIP. Yes, we MUST all vote one way or another, but DO it.
Love your fierce spirit, Patrisha! Honoring trailblazers like Gloria Steinem by staying active and having poll workers verify your ballot in person is the ultimate power move!
So far my plan remains to vote by mail but I may just hand deliver it myself. Voting by mail is so easy it should be nationwide. Would help eliminate the attempts to cheat. Maybe in another lifetime…
I applaud the young men quietly standing for justice! They were correct in not apologizing. We all have a duty to protest peacefully. At age 19 I joined a protest group against Vietnam…
Thank you for sharing your history of standing up against the Vietnam War, Ale! That torch of peaceful resistance has been passed to this generation, and they’re carrying it proudly.
Yes, I will be voting by mail. Have done this for many years. I would refuse to do the apology video based on my right of free speech the constitution has given to ALL Americans, blask, white, green whatever. These students needs to band together and file a lawsuit against the college, that has imposed a very harsh way for these students. Some may be about ready to graduate. The ACLU needs to step in and help these students. BC
The Constitution protects everyone, Betty! Standing firm on the First Amendment and demanding legal accountability is how rights are defended. Thank you for your strong words!
Requiring nineteen-year-old students to record forced video apologies just for standing quietly in a room is wild. Huge credit to those kids for holding their ground and calling FIU’s bluff in court.
It really is wild, Sam. Forcing students to record public humiliation videos just for peaceful, silent presence was a blatant overreach. Huge respect to those students for knowing their rights and standing tall! Talk to you in 30 seconds
It's an interesting problem. They certainly have First Amendment rights protecting them if they have something to say. The question is whether or not they owe an apology to spectators whose view of the game or court they blocked. But it was the school, not the spectators, who were complaining. So it's unclear that they owe the school an apology for anything, or for what.
You bring up a thoughtful legal angle, Fred! Thankfully the court recognized that a brief, peaceful demonstration doesn't strip students of their basic constitutional protections.
The students could have been an interference, and if they were experienced that way, other spectators would have complained (they didn't), or ushers or security would have asked them to stay seated (they didn't). So the school does not have what the law would call "standing" (sorry for the pun) to complain later, on its own, and demand anything.
If, at a classical music concert, a few audience members stood up and made distracting noise, someone would have addressed that at the moment. The conductor would have done that. The idea of coming back to them later, and demanding any kind of concession, would be out of the question. Make a list of who they were, and don't sell them a ticket next time.
If people are annoyed by a 3 minute view block then they should never attend a concert, game or any spectator activity where people regularly stand up. The fact that blocking a view for a few minutes takes precedence over the rights and dignity of human beings is part of the reason we are in this mess right now.
Spot on, Julie! Perspective and basic human dignity should always outweigh minor momentary inconveniences. Thank you for framing it so clearly!
Such a smart thing that the students went to the ACLU and matters proceeded as they did, with the result you report here. Hear, hear to all the comments above, readers’ observations about this event. ICE OUT definitely is not an unpopular sentiment across our nation. Amen.
It wasn’t during a game or on a court but during an event in an auditorium on campus.
https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/federal-judge-rules-in-favor-of-fiu-students-who-sued-university-for-charging-them-with-misconduct-after-anti-ice-protest/
So grateful to these courageous students and for the ruling. To note,FIU prez is a DeSantis appointee who was instrumental in appointing the new interim law school dean,a Trump ally and former personal attorney who was involved in the J6 slush fund debacle.You couldn’t make this stuff up !
Then you and the article you linked resolved it. The students had their rights, (security never even made an attempt to intervene), and that's the end of it.
“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” – Elie Wiesel
That time is now.
That Elie Wiesel quote is such a necessary and timely reminder, Al. Speaking out against injustice is never optional. Thank you for sharing it!
Especially when it’s peaceful.
Peaceful protest has driven every major civil rights advancement in our history. Absolutely right, Patti!
Silence often speaks louder than words, especially when all you hear is meaningless noise. Save your precious energy for what matters rather than wasting it on fools.
Wise advice on preserving our energy for the fights that truly count, Sister Stan. Staying grounded and intentional keeps us in the game for the long haul!
Disagree. Silence can also signal complicity. Just ask the GOP.
Sister Stan said "often" not all the time. And the GOP isn't completely silent. Many still love to tout the propaganda and outright lies and corruption of this regime over the airwaves.
Targeting five trans kids and threatening $44 billion in state education funding is just cruel. So glad to see Judge Valenzuela throw this case out for good!
Using billions in funding to target vulnerable kids was beyond unconscionable. So thankful for judges like Judge Valenzuela who uphold fairness and basic decency!
Agree, Ms. Jonington. How cowardly and depraved do you have to be to marginalize children?
Exactly, Julie. Protecting all kids should be the universal standard, not a political wedge. Thank you for speaking up!
I’ll be voting by mail or should I say “Dropbox” like I have for years. When I lived in AZ there were always propositions that required study and reflection. If I voted in person I wouldn’t have the resources I need to make informed decisions.
Becoming trans can’t be an easy decision but just like any minority it isn’t our business to judge. School aide is for everyone!
Couldn’t agree more, Patti! Voting at home gives you the time to properly research local ballot questions, and public education funding should support every single child without judgment.
I have voted by mail (in Florida) for many years so that I could study the ballot in advance. Now, it's available online.
As for transgender individuals--who cannot help that they were born that way--I recommend: https://philipgulley.substack.com/p/a-quaker-looks-at-transgender-people-c7b
For sure empathy, understanding, and education are how we build a kinder society.
You can also pull up a sample ballot on-line, print and study it. I do that, then vote in person. Mail service in general is very poor in my state.
In the county where I live, the local government mails a sample ballot to each registered voter well before absentee and election day voting begins. I take the time to review the ballot, study issues regarding amendments, and research the candidates. Before I fill out the sample ballot, I contact a friend who is heavily involved in state and local politics to see if she agrees with my choices. Then, I take the ballot with me to the polling place and use it to complete my official ballot. Taking the time before voting, saves so much time when actually voting.
Trump thinks we're going to run out of steam? How can we, when he keeps pouring gasoline on the file and stirring the pot?
I feel like we've been living in a state of near-constant outrage forever; it's hard to believe the peace Biden gave us was only 2 years ago. Hopefully the next Democratic president is only 2 years away.
That’s a great way to say it!
Exactly right, Sam!
That’s the irony, MB—every attempt to exhaust the public only fuels greater resolve and determination! Two years of relentless pushback will pay off at the ballot box.
And I thought trump 1.0 was a nightmare. 2 more years of this? We definitely need a major intervention (midterms?) to change the current trajectory!
The midterms are our ultimate opportunity to reset the board, Judy! Channeling all of this exhaustion into overwhelming voter turnout is the mission!
Voting by mail, as usual. Easier for my husband, who turned 97 today.
Happy Birthday to your husband! 🎂
Love the birthday cheer, BEpiper!
Happy 97th Birthday to your wonderful husband, Robin! 🎂🎉 What an inspiring example you both set by making sure your voices are heard!
Congrats on still having your husband to vote with & talk over all this nonsense with each day.💙
Such a lovely sentiment, Carol. Having a partner to navigate all this craziness with is a true blessing!
Congratulations to your husband on his 97th, from a fellow Virgo!
My entire state votes by mail, but I won't be returning my ballot that way, I'll use a drop box and follow it up using the state tracking system to be sure it's accepted and counted.
Yes. Best way to go Tracy
Solid, proactive planning all around, Patrisha!
That is the gold-standard voting plan, Tracy! Utilizing drop boxes and following up with your state tracking portal guarantees complete peace of mind.
Thanks for the reminder: I usually place my mail-in ballot in the USPS mailbox at the post office. AZ (maybe other states) offer these options for returning a mail-in ballot: 1) You can drop your ballot off at any in-person early voting locations, including the County Recorder’s Office or Elections Office.
2) Some counties have secured ballot drop boxes. You can drop your ballot off in any ballot drop box in your county.
3) You can drop your ballot off at any voting location in your county on Election Day. No need to wait in line. Just head straight inside the voting location and drop it in the early ballot bin. You can get an I Voted sticker too!
Unfortunately, I no longer trust the USPS to make sure my ballot gets to the right place. I'm going with option 1.
I don't trust USPS, either.
I would not have apologized. They were within their rights! (Also, my dad was an attorney, which would have helped me.)
Having a lawyer in the family definitely helps, Virginia! But standing up for your constitutional rights is always the right call. Kudos to you!
It never ceases to amaze me that this regime resorts to blackmail on a regular basis.
It really is their standard operating playbook, Denise. That’s why independent courts and engaged citizens are so essential right now.
The insanity and cruelty are unbelievable!
It truly is, Kathy. But seeing people refuse to bend gives all of us renewed hope!
But they are the point with this bunch.
Sadly true, djw. Which makes our collective pushback and refusal to accept it as normal even more critical.
Right!? But then again, they are the Mar-A-Lardo Mafia, after all 🙄
We usually get our ballot in the mail and deliver it completed to a secure box at City Hall. If that doesn't happen - if we don't get our ballots - we will vote in person as early as possible. As for those FIU students, thank goodness for their courage. Not sure I had as much when I was 19.
Secure drop boxes at City Hall are fantastic, Frances! And those FIU students proved that youth and moral clarity can take on enormous institutional pressure and win.
I sent my request for an absentee ballot. If I actually receive it, I’ll take it to the county drop box. If I don’t receive it, I’ll head to the BOE on the first day of early voting here in Ohio. 🇺🇸🗳️ VOTE BLUE UP AND DOWN THE BALLOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is a bulletproof backup plan, Kathy! Having day-one early voting ready to go ensures nothing gets in the way of your vote. Let's go Ohio!
The entire idea of threatening students with actions against their education is vile, and YES at 19 I would be there with them. I am one of those "Nasty women" ( RIP Gloria S)
I am in California and I will get my vote by mail ballot. There is an option of filling it out at home and taking it to a polling place. That is my plan and have a poll worker accept it and review the exterior for accuracy if it comes to this.
Standing strong, Patrisha... I would have been right there next to you. I thought Steinem and Dolly would live forever... their impact on the world will continue. RIP. Yes, we MUST all vote one way or another, but DO it.
Beautiful tribute, Judy. Carrying forward their legacy through our votes and our voices is the greatest honor we can pay them.
Love your fierce spirit, Patrisha! Honoring trailblazers like Gloria Steinem by staying active and having poll workers verify your ballot in person is the ultimate power move!
I'll be voting in person. And I'll offer rides to any dem who needs it.
Nancy, offering rides to fellow voters is grassroots democracy at its absolute finest! Thank you so much for stepping up for your neighbors!
So far my plan remains to vote by mail but I may just hand deliver it myself. Voting by mail is so easy it should be nationwide. Would help eliminate the attempts to cheat. Maybe in another lifetime…
I applaud the young men quietly standing for justice! They were correct in not apologizing. We all have a duty to protest peacefully. At age 19 I joined a protest group against Vietnam…
Thank you for sharing your history of standing up against the Vietnam War, Ale! That torch of peaceful resistance has been passed to this generation, and they’re carrying it proudly.
Me too! I was in college at the time, and my school was supporting weapons-related research.
Yes, I will be voting by mail. Have done this for many years. I would refuse to do the apology video based on my right of free speech the constitution has given to ALL Americans, blask, white, green whatever. These students needs to band together and file a lawsuit against the college, that has imposed a very harsh way for these students. Some may be about ready to graduate. The ACLU needs to step in and help these students. BC
The Constitution protects everyone, Betty! Standing firm on the First Amendment and demanding legal accountability is how rights are defended. Thank you for your strong words!
I haven't decided. Early voting here in Farragut has a handicap entrance, thinking about that, yes a little worried about mail-in-voting
At nineteen I would behave the same as them, and now to. Rights are rights as long as done properly. WE MUST get OUT The VOTE in 8 WEEkS< MUST
Utilizing accessible early voting is a wonderful, stress-free option, Joan! Eight weeks out—let's make every single day count!