Entertaining free expression on public sidewalks: Are city ordinances kicking musical muses to the curb?

Freedom of expression, provided by the First Amendment, is a core part of the foundation of our democracy. Yet those who use public places for artistic expression, such as music, are still fighting to benefit from this right, a right vital to their ability to earn a living from musical performances. Historically, both in the United States and elsewhere, buskers, those who perform on the streets for tips, have been subjected to unreasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of their speech, and, at times, outright banishment from constitutionally protected public fora. This article demonstrates why current restrictions on street performers constitute clear violations of free speech through an examination of historical restrictions, case law, and the current rules and regulations of four US cities. Obtaining an ostensibly permanent decision from the Supreme Court is not the solution for ensuring the free-speech rights of street performers. Rather, we present an example of model regulations that, if embraced by individual localities, can ensure proper protection for the First Amendment rights of musicians in public spaces

Mobile phones in the classroom: Policies and potential pedagogy

Many university instructors (76% of our survey) have a mobile phone policy in their classrooms, due to the distractions of unregulated use. Yet only about half of those who ask students to put down their phones report that these policies are effective. Given that students want to and will use their phones, are instructors taking the opportunity to integrate these mobile devices as a part of media literacy or other pedagogy? We conducted a nationwide survey of more than 150 college instructors to explicate what policies are used, and where they come from; how they are enforced (e.g. rewards and punishments); and for those instructors who use mobile phones in instruction, whether and how the technology is used for academic purposes. Respondents (74%) permit mobile phones for basic classroom activities, but lack true integration with teaching and learning

On the dole for the homeless soul: Religious and sex discrimination by sectarian adoption services

Religious institutions have historically taken care of orphaned or unwanted children. Although the U.S. has provided public child services for nearly a century, the country still relies heavily on private, faith-based organizations to care for and place children with families. Some of these organizations receive public funds, yet their mission statements often prioritize placing young people with families that meet religious standards; they may reject parents who have religions or lifestyles that they disagree with. Such religious discrimination brings to the fore the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, as well as social considerations such as the Best Interests of the Child (BIC). This chapter will explore the legal, political, and social labyrinth that is closing doors to potential parents in favor of saving souls