What reasons does Lawrence give for protecting even racist, sexist, or homophobic speech Why does he

1
What reasons does Lawrence give for protecting
even racist, sexist, or homophobic speech? Why
does he give these reason?

• Paragraph 1
• It reinforces societys commitment to tolerance
  as a value, not a law.
• Protecting this type of speech from government
  regulation forces communities to combat it when
  it comes up.

Do you agree or disagree with these reasons?
2
According to Lawrence, how has the issue been
framed?

• Paragraph 2
• Liberty of free speech in opposition to the
  elimination of racism
• Puts bigot on the moral high ground (s/he
  protects free speech)

Is this the frame you saw in our previous
readings? Do you agree w/ Lawrences assessment
of this frame?
3
Who are the real victims of hate speech,
according to Lawrence?

• Those whose race, gender, or sexual preference
  continue to make them second-class citizens.

Do you agree or disagree? Why is this point
relevant?
4
What is the significance of the Brown v. Board of
Education decision relative to Lawrences
argument?

• The Constitution guarantees minority students
  protection under the law.
• The message is important schools cannot convey a
  message that some are second class citizens.
• The system of signs and symbols that signal
  inferiority.
• It is the schools responsibility to provide an
  equal opportunity education
• This includes a safe environment for learning,
  safe passage, and freedom from psychic
  injury.

5
What is the significance of the Brown v. Board of
Education decision relative to Lawrences
argument? (cont.)

• Separate but equal sent the message of
  inferiority, which inflicted psychic injury.
• Hate speech on campuses sends the same message

Do you agree or disagree that Brown v. Board is
relevant to this issue?
6
What are the specific arguments for protecting
hate speech and how does Lawrence respond to
these arguments?
Arguments for protecting hate speech
Lawrences counter arguments

• University officials who form policies are
  thought police
• 1st Amendment should foster the greatest amount
  of speech
• Free speech is the lifeblood of democracy

7
What are the specific arguments for protecting
hate speech and how does Lawrence respond to
these arguments? (cont.)
Arguments for protecting hate speech
Lawrences counter arguments

• Hate speech gives minorities a chance to rally
  support for the redress of grievances
• Its impossible to draft prohibition precise
  enough to capture hate speech w/out including
  other types of speech