This week, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a California law banning the sale of violent video games to children. In Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association, 564 U.S. 1 (2011), the Court held that the First Amendment right to free speech protects the video games. As I predicted last November in a blog post on the oral argument in this case, Justice Scalia did not favor upholding the law, and indeed he wrote the majority opinion, which was joined by Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Sotomayor, and Kagan. Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts wrote a separate opinion, concurring in the judgment, while only Justices Thomas and Breyer dissented.
So what’s to like – or at least protect – about violent video games? The opinion is clear that video games are protected by the First Amendment. Although the Court notes that the Free Speech Clause exists primarily “to protect discourse on public matters,” it has long been “recognized that it is difficult to distinguish politics from entertainment, and dangerous to try.” The Court notes that there are plenty of examples of political commentary or even propaganda to be found in fiction. The Court goes on to state that last term’s opinion in United States v. Stevens controls.
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Some additional information has now been disclosed about the ongoing investigation into concerns raised by parents about former Lone Peak coach Mike La Hargoue’s baseball and girls soccer programs.
Both the article on the resignation which was published on Saturday as well as a column published in Thursday’s Herald implied that the investigation into the matter was closed. This was due to a misinterpretation of remarks about the case made by school officials.
As is customary in situations involving personnel matters, Alpine School District spokesperson Rhonda Bromley answered only the questions that were asked of her in last Friday’s interview.
Herald reporters were then unaware of allegations regarding the existence and use of an outside bank account into which funds paid by players were deposited, in addition to questions about the coach’s relationships with some players.
As the earlier articles stated, no criminal charges have been filed and La Hargoue retains his teaching position at this point.
However, in a statement issued Thursday, Bromley clarified that the investigation is still underway.
“LPHS administrators and district officials continue to investigate and gather information regarding the baseball funds as well as other concerns brought forth by parents.
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Yesterday, I wrote about the benefits of visiting college campuses this summer. While both formal and informal campus visits are of value, its the formal visits that offer the greatest advantages because families receive more information about the college, learn the application procedures and what the college is looking for in student applicants, as well as the available financial aid opportunities and how to apply for them.
The complete suite of activities involved with the ideal formal college campus visit includes the following:
Arrive on-campus and walk around to learn layout of campus.
Take the campus guided tour.
Attend an information session.
Have lunch in the dining hall.
Interview with admission officer.
Interview with professor or attend a class.
Walk around campus to investigate unseen areas and to talk with students. Read more…
RIVERSIDE, Calif. () — Sue Teele is retiring after 31 years as the director of education extension, and the associate dean of academic affairs at UCR Extension.
During her tenure, Teele contributed to the professional development of thousands of K-12 teachers in the Inland region and beyond through state-approved credential programs, certificate programs, conferences, grants and staff development in-services.
“My respect and admiration for Sue has grown each year that I have been at Extension,” said Sharon Duffy, dean of UCR Extension.
Teele was presented with a joint resolution from state Senators Bob Dutton and Bill Emmerson and Assemblymen Brian Nestande and Mike Morrell upon her retirement. They acknowledged her many significant contributions to education in the region and in the state.
Teele will remain director of UCR Extension’s Advanced Placement Summer Institute for the coming year and will continue administering several grants she secured, including the Inland Area TEAMS (Teaching Excellence and Achievement in Mathematics and Science) project to reduce the achievement gap in math and science between black, Hispanic and Latino students and white students.
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TOLEDO, OH — The Toledo Federation of Teachers has voted Tuesday to accept a fact finder report that will cut their pay and charge them more for their health care.
The vote totals were not available, but a source within the TFT said the vote was “nearly unanimous” to accept the report.
The report calls for a 2.5 percent cut in pay for Toledo Public Schools teachers. It also requires them to pay more toward their health care, However, the report did preserve the jobs of elementary specialists such as art and physical education teachers. The report provides approximately $44 million in concessions over the next two fiscal years.
The report had the endorsement of TFT leadership.
The Toledo Public Schools board will consider the fact finder report at its meeting scheduled to start at 5:30 Tuesday afternoon. If the board votes to accept the report, the contract will take effect July 1.
