Title: Free Speech Forum
Course: BC-Political Studies 12-1.1.0.0-XT > Section: Unit 3: Political Polarization and Media

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

The use of generative AI is not allowed in this assignment at any stage. The use of editing software such as Grammarly is allowed, but only to identify mistakes, not to rewrite entire sentences or paragraphs.

Rubric

 | Not Complete | Emerging | Developing | Proficient | Extending
 | 0 |  | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Issues in local, regional, national, and international politics | Not complete | My posts demonstrate a minimal understanding of questions related to free speech in society. My opinions are not supported by evidence, logic, or information from reliable resources. | My posts demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of questions related to free speech in society. My opinions are somewhat supported by evidence, logic, or information from reliable resources. | My posts demonstrate a sufficient understanding of questions related to free speech in society. My opinions are supported by evidence, logic, and information from reliable resources. | My posts demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of questions related to free speech in society. My opinions are well-supported by evidence, logic, and information from reliable resources.
Total:    /10