Title: Free Speech Forum
Course: BC - Political Studies 12 - 1.0

Respond to one of the following questions with a 200- to 250-word post.

1. Is the right to free speech absolute or are there limits to that right? If there should be limits, what should those limits be and who should set them? If free speech rights are absolute, why should the right to free speech have no limits, and what are the potential risks of that?
2. A popular musical group expresses a strong political opinion that a portion of their fan base finds offensive, hurtful, or unpatriotic. What should the response of this group’s fans be?
3. An employer sees the social media post of one of their employees, who has attended a protest of a fringe political group. In the photo, the employee is holding a sign that contains threats of violence and a racial slur. What should the employer do in response?
4. A student group at a university organizes an event on campus with a speaker who is known for inflammatory and controversial opinions. Another student group protests the invitation and asks the university to revoke the invitation. The university cancels the event, citing “safety concerns.” Was the university’s decision an example of the suppression of free speech, or did the university do the right thing? What do you think the university should have done?

After you have created your own post, find one other student to respond to with a separate 100- to 150-word response. In your response, don’t just say, “I agree! Great job!” Ask a question, disagree charitably, add other evidence that you saw from your own research, or counter with a different interpretation. Try to add something meaningful and insightful to the conversation so that everyone’s understanding of the topic can be increased.

Try to keep the dialogue principles from the lesson in mind:

1. Presume goodwill
2. Begin with empathy and kindness
3. Listen to understand first, not to rebut
4. Look for common ground
5. Avoid loaded language and personal attacks
6. Stick to the facts that you know
7. Be humble about what you do not know
8. Set the temperature low

Forum Post Rubric

 | Not Completed | Emerging (Unsatisfactory) | Developing (Satisfactory) | Proficient (Very Good) | Extending (Excellent)
 | 0 |  | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Initial Post | Not completed | Demonstrates an inadequate awareness of the topic. Comments may be off-topic or irrelevant. Demonstrates confused thinking. References are unreliable or not listed. | Demonstrates an adequate awareness of the topic but offers little consideration of it. Provides some relevant comments. Demonstrates organized thinking. References may not be from reliable sources, or may not be listed adequately. | Demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the topic. Provides relevant comments. Demonstrates clear and organized thinking. References are reliable and cited. | Demonstrates insightful consideration of the topic. Provides relevant and comprehensive comments. Demonstrates exceptional logic and organization. References are reliable and cited properly.
Response Posts | Not completed | Responses demonstrate a lack of comprehension of the original post or may be disrespectful. | Responses are respectful but do not add much to the conversation. | Responses are purposeful and respectful, adding to the conversation. | Responses are discerning and respectful, adding meaning and depth to the conversation.
Total:    /10 (averaged between posts)