'Spirituality for Kids' class draws fireSource: The L.A. Times
In a light-filled classroom in Sherman Oaks, gregarious teacher Jenna Zucker dons a straw hat and, in an exaggerated Southern drawl, invites the gathered first- and second-graders to an imaginary picnic.
San Antonio-area student can keep long hairSource: The Houston Chronicle
SOMERSET — A Native American Somerset High School senior — whose parents filed a federal lawsuit saying his right of religious expression was violated when he received an on-campus suspension — can return to class without having to cut his shoulder-length hair.
'Sexting' lands teen on sex offender listSource: CNN
When Vanessa Hudgens' naked photos hit the Internet, the "High School Musical" star quickly apologized. But sending nude or seminude pictures, a phenomenon known as sexting, is a fast-growing trend among teens.
Aren't Flag-Desecration Cases a Thing of the Past? Not in NebraskaSource: Wall Street Journal
A judge in Sarpy County, Nebraska earlier today ruled that prosecutors can go ahead with their case against a member of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., whose members believe that U.S. troop deaths are punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
Sarkozy loses 'voodoo doll' caseSource: BBC News
A French judge has rejected President Nicolas Sarkozy's attempt to stop sales of a "voodoo doll" in his image.
Dismissing the case, the Paris judge said the doll was "within the authorised limits of free expression and the right to humour".
Olympic Gag OrderSource: The Washington Post
WHEN BEIJING was bidding to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, part of its pitch was that the games would help promote human rights in China, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bought it. But with the Aug.
China seeks India's backing on TibetSource: BBC News
[State Councillor Dai Bingguo] urged India to "understand and support" China's policy towards Tibet, following recent unrest there [...] in a telephone call to Indian National Security Adviser MK Narayanan.
Which freedoms do we want online? How Free are We?Source: BBC News
My colleague, Chinese journalist and blogger Michael Anti, pointed out that although political expression is tightly controlled in China the government is not really interested in other aspects of people's lives, while here in the UK we can talk about democracy but other forms of …
The Cartoons That Don't Make It to PrintSource: NPR
I enjoy listening to NPR... usually... for the most part... sometimes. I used to enjoy their counter-culture stance (albeit left-leaning, on some days), until - thanks to the current administration - they became the vox populi.
Bloggers Shrink the PlanetSource: Wired News
From the article: NEW DELHI -- Exciting things happen when dedicated bloggers from around the world meet for the first time. For Briton Rachel Rawlins, being introduced to Tunisian exile Sami Ben Gharbia was the chance to meet a personal hero.
Newman's Own 1st Amendment AwardSource: PEN American Center
For the 15th consecutive year, Newman's Own, the food company whose founder and president, actor Paul Newman, donates all after-tax profits to charity, is funding a First Amendment Prize administered by PEN American Center. -- Nomination Deadline is Dec. 29th, 2006.
Call for jailed bloggers to be freedSource: Independent.co.uk
Amnesty International is launching a campaign on behalf of a whole new category of prisoners of conscience - internet bloggers and chatroom visitors arrested by repressive governments for expressing unwelcome views or disseminating sensitive information online.
UK journalists union calls for Yahoo boycottSource: Reuters
The union representing journalists in the UK and Ireland called on its 40,000 members to boycott all Yahoo Inc. products and services to protest the Internet company's reported actions in China.
Digital Copyright Law Hurts Consumers, Scientists, and CompetitionSource: eff.org
A new report released today from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), "Unintended Consequences: Seven Years Under the DMCA," collects reports of the misuses of the DMCA -- chilling free expression and scientific research, jeopardizing fair use, impeding competition and innova
Jytte Klausen: A Danish DramaSource: prospectmagazine.co.uk
Jyllands-Posten, the newspaper that published the infamous Muhammad cartoons, is based in my home town and still sits on my family's coffee table. This is the real story of how a provincial newspaper's prank turned into a global crisis.
Denmark, Where Are You?Source: stopterrorkrigen.dk
In the following open letter, an outstanding figure in Danish culture, the composer Thomas Koppel (Savage Rose), challenges the Danish government to step down over its handling of the Mohamad provocation - and its responsibility for Denmark's participating in the illegal war and