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Articles by Tyson Langhofer
The Crucial Midterm Issue Candidates Aren’t Talking About
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ADF Testifies Before Congress on Free Speech in Higher Education
Chairman Owens, Ranking Member Adams, and Members of the Subcommittee: my name is Tyson Langhofer, and I’m Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom’s Center for Free Speech. Alliance Defending Freedom is the world’s largest legal organization committed to protecting free speech, religious freedom, parental rights, and the sanctity of life and the family.
The growing cost of un-free speech in America
For a vivid picture of what’s happening to free speech on America’s college campuses, look no further than the University of Buffalo, where the ideal of higher education as a “marketplace of ideas” is near to extinction. At UB, all students have to do to see their club formally recognized is a) march to the administrators’ political agenda and b) sign away all their legal rights. Of course, that automatically disqualifies any club whose members think for themselves.
Free Speech Is Essential. Universities Must Do Everything They Can To Preserve It.
In February 2020, two professors participated in a debate hosted by Harvard on the subject of hate speech and whether it constitutes “violence.” Lisa Feldman Barrett, a psychology professor at Northeastern University, argued that, yes, hate speech can be violence based on the stress responses in the brain when confronted with speech one finds offensive.
Universities must fix the problem that led to Charlie Kirk's murder
On the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, one of the most horrific tragedies in our nation’s history, evil showed its ugly face yet again. An assassin’s bullet needlessly took the life of husband, father, and political activist Charlie Kirk. His supposed offense? Debating. This senseless act of murder was committed on the grounds of an institution that should be a beacon of free thought and expression: a college campus.
Maryland school board accused of discriminating against GOP trustee who opposes gender ideology
FREDERICK, Maryland (Alliance Defending Freedom) — Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys sent a letter Tuesday to the Frederick County Board of Education demanding that the board immediately cease its partisan Title IX investigation of Republican board member Colt Black in retaliation against his protected speech during a public board meeting.
These Brave Teachers Took A Stand For Biological Reality In 2024
— Opinion — In Virginia, high school French teacher Peter Vlaming nearly lost everything because he couldn’t refer to a female student as male in good conscience.
Public School Educators Don’t Practice The ‘Inclusivity’ That They Preach
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Laws Schools Must Protect Free Speech, American Bar Association Says
Today, far too many of the stories stemming from our nation’s top law schools seem to have more to do with stifling speech than encouraging it. Speakers invited to campus to share their knowledge and experience have instead been met with vicious verbal attacks. And in some cases, school officials have done little or nothing to quell the rising threats to free speech.
Hold climate change activists accountable for Maui wildfire missteps
Embers had barely cooled, and tears hadn’t yet dried in Lahaina when the first lawsuit was filed. In August, Maui County filed suit against Hawaiian Electric for negligence it alleges was responsible for the deadly Lahaina wildfire . Regardless of how that case plays out, experts agree that, like in most wildfires, the devastation was caused by a confluence of natural conditions and human decisions.
It’s prime time for congressional oversight of the FTC
Every year in July, the 200 million United States members of Amazon’s Prime service are treated to Prime Day, a bonanza of spectacular discounts. This year, however, as customers nationwide scrolled through hundreds of deals, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan was bracing for a different kind of event: an oversight hearing before the House Judiciary Committee . The timing created an opportunity because the FTC had just launched a perplexing offensive against Amazon.
Escaping D.C. for fall contemplation at the beach
The best time for the beach is the fall. The crowds are gone, and the water is still warm. It’s also a great time for reading, prayer , contemplation, and the other spiritual things that are good for the soul and that remind us that we are small and mortal. I have old friends who own a beach house in Bethany Beach, Delaware, and I come down in the fall every year. I’m re-reading A Wizard of Earthsea, one of my favorite books . Ursula K.
Three ways colleges are suppressing speech — and how students can fight back
Most universities in America say they value free speech, but actions speak louder than words. And based on the actions of several universities, they only value certain kinds of speech. I serve as the director of the Center for Academic Freedom at Alliance Defending Freedom, and I’ve noticed three ways university officials have suppressed the speech of students who hold viewpoints at odds with the new, ever-shifting academic orthodoxy.
California Library Shuts Down Moms For Liberty Event Over Misgendering Trans Athletes
Throughout history, the greatest threat to free speech has always been authoritarian governments seeking to suppress dissent. That is still true today, even in America. Thankfully, a robust First Amendment has proved a necessary and valuable bulwark against censorious government autocrats. Historically, those on the political Left have proven to be some of the fiercest defenders of broad speech protections. Not so today.
Freelancing gives women an edge. New Labor Department rule will stifle our potential
America should celebrate all workers, not just unionized ones, this Labor Day week. To be pro-worker is to embrace all of us, including nonunionized, independent contractors and gig workers. Since going into freelancing full time seven years ago, I’m more fulfilled, financially secure, and happier than ever. I maintain great working relationships with organizations I contract with and am not exploited. Because I control my work output, there’s little desire for me to return to a 9-to-5 job.
The best civics lesson you can teach your children
Time was when “back to school” marked an exciting time for families: for children, a great adventure in learning; for high schoolers, a big move toward adulthood; for college students, a whole new world of independence and thinking for themselves. Things have changed.
Bloch v. Bouchey et al
July 18, 2023 Filing 6 ORDER GRANTING #4 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Mathew W. Hoffman, Esq. Signed by Judge Christina Reiss on 7/18/2023. (This is a text-only Order.) (ejh) July 18, 2023 Filing 5 ORDER GRANTING #3 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Tyson C. Langhofer, Esq. Signed by Judge Christina Reiss on 7/18/2023. (This is a text-only Order.) (ejh) July 17, 2023 Filing 4 MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Mathew W. Hoffman, Esq. filed by David J.
Progressives dominate the battle for field position in the culture war
The Washington Examiner’s Tim Carney published a column on Tuesday that challenged the common perception in mainstream discourse that America is in the midst of a regressive backlash against LGBT rights. Carney argues that cultural progressives are actually the ones on the offense.
The latest Biden energy crisis
When it comes to the nation’s supply of energy, the United States has an unfortunate tendency of stumbling from one crisis to another. Just as we turn the corner on energy-driven inflation and the shock of a global energy crisis, there is a new crisis now on the horizon: the rapidly eroding reliability of the nation’s supply of electricity . The situation is increasingly dire and made so by a spectacular failure of policy.
Supreme Court’s free speech decision affirms Constitution’s deep magic
Activists are using artificial intelligence to make the Bible and religion fit their agenda. In People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ AI version of Genesis, the terms “beasts” and “creatures” are exchanged for “beings” and cloth made of hemp and bamboo is described as the clothing that God provides for Adam and Eve instead of animal skin, according to the press release.
Supreme Court’s free speech decision affirms Constitution’s deep magic
The “rage giving ” did not last. Abortion access groups who received a windfall of donations following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe vs. Wade one year ago say those emergency grants have ended and individual and foundation giving has dropped off.
Supreme Court’s free speech decision affirms Constitution’s deep magic
Progressives are waging a campaign to turn back the clock on the First Amendment — whose doctrine is now characterized by robust speech protections that were championed by liberal justices in the 20th century. Whether it’s laws compelling artists to create speech celebrating messages they don’t wish to convey, as in 303 Creative v.
The Heckler's Veto: Censorship in Disguise
The past few years have seen a concerning trend of protesters attempting to shut down speakers through intimidation, heckling, and harassment. These tactics must be denounced, but they also must be explained: collectively, they are called the heckler’s veto—a dangerous form of censorship disguised as legitimate protest.
Andy Ogles, Brent Bozell, Tyson Langhofer, Dr. Michael New
On today’s program: Andy Ogles, U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 5th District, offers an update on the debt ceiling negotiation and highlights a letter to House Foreign Affairs Committee’s leadership about two anti-WHO bills. Brent Bozell, Media Research Center Founder and President, breaks down how Biden’s Department of Homeland Security is weaponizing an anti-terror program against Christians, conservatives, and the GOP.
State law protecting free speech standing tall after legal settlement
Tyson Langhofer Special to the Advertiser Public colleges and universities should be free and open to the exchange of ideas — a place where our future teachers, lawyers, doctors, judges, community leaders, and voters can exercise their constitutionally protected freedom of speech. To that end, in 2019, the Alabama Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey enacted the Campus Free Speech Act.
U.S. House Leadership Made Parental Rights A Priority, But Much Work Remains
Last month, the House Judiciary Committee held a subcommittee hearing addressing the Biden administration’s relentless attacks on parents’ fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their children and to publicly express their views on policies affecting their children. The hearing brought much-needed attention to the growing instances of government officials actively seeking to replace parents as the ultimate arbiters of what’s best for children.
Norway offers a step forward in eliminating gender ideology
Common sense and science are gradually prevailing. Last week, the Norwegian Healthcare Investigation Board announced it would be revising its current guidelines regarding so-called " gender -affirming care" for minors because it no longer considers them to be evidence-based. The board also acknowledged that the growing number of teenage girls identifying as male post-puberty remains under-studied.
Legal Victory Over 'Jesus Loves Me' Mask
Christian Headlines reports the family’s lawyers said public schools had no business discriminating against a 9-year-old’s religious expression.That’s why it’s so important that public schools demonstrate the First Amendment values they are supposed to be teaching to students.Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Tyson Langhofer said: “Today’s students will be tomorrow’s legislators, judges, educators, and voters.” Photo: Alliance Defending Freedom A settlement was recently reached in...
University Officials Bow To Protesters, Prove Actions Are Louder Than Words
Editor's note: The following piece originally appeared at the Daily Wire. What does it mean that actions speak louder than words? For one thing, it means that even the strongest words are meaningless when they’re not backed by action. Nowhere is that truer than in the American university. As a First Amendment attorney who litigates campus free speech cases across the country, I’ve seen this time and again. Most universities say they support free speech, but very few have the courage to back that up.
School rules on names, pronouns violated teacher’s religious rights | The Wichita Eagle
Editor’s note: the following article was submitted in response to the Sept. 4 column titled: “Derek Schmidt picks the wrong side in the war on pronouns. She should know better.” Parents are full partners in their child’s education. That statement shouldn’t be controversial: Parents expect it to be true, and school districts acknowledge it. And in Geary County schools, it’s found word for word in a board-approved district policy. But what if it simply were not true?
Free speech is being shut down in our nation's schools
Question of the Day What is the future of COVID policies going into the fall and winter? Question of the Day More remote work and school More indoor mask mandates Strong push for vaccine boosters
The American conversation about police reform is not going away. Here's an updated look.
It has been a long time since we last updated you on the destructive policy of the Supreme Court called “qualified immunity”. We are always on top. This is a key question in the national conversation on police reform. It is the subject of an ongoing series on USA TODAY Opinion, a problem in political campaigns, fodder for state lawmakers, and an article on numerous court cases. Here’s a look at the latest titles.
Americans' conversation about police reform isn't going away
It has been a while since we last updated you on the destructive Supreme Court policy called "qualified immunity." We're still on top of it. It's a key issue in the national conversation on police reform. It's the topic of an ongoing series at USA TODAY Opinion, an issue in political campaigns, fodder for state lawmakers and an item on numerous court dockets. Here's a look at the latest headlines. The latest from USA TODAY Roadside assistance caught the cop who killed my cousin.
University officials flagrantly violate student speech rights. Courts let them off the hook.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” You may have heard this response from a police officer if you have ever tried to get out of a speeding ticket by arguing you were unaware of the speed limit. It is also one of the most recognized maxims of the American legal system. And for good reason. If subjective knowledge of the law were the standard for culpability, everyone would always plead ignorance after violating the law.
University officials flagrantly violate student speech rights. Courts let them off the hook.
“Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” You may have heard this response from a police officer if you have ever tried to get out of a speeding ticket by arguing you were unaware of the speed limit. It is also one of the most recognized maxims of the American legal system. And for good reason. If subjective knowledge of the law were the standard for culpability, everyone would always plead ignorance after violating the law.
Loudoun Teacher’s Lawyer: Something Seriously Wrong With a Society When It Is Courageous for a Teacher to Espouse Basic Truths
The American flag swirls in the wind. (Photo credit: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) Every American generation has its heroes. Each heroic act is different. But many share one thing in common: The hero gave up his or her life. The greatest heroes throughout our history have given their lives either for another person or a greater cause.
Loudoun Teacher’s Lawyer: Something 'Seriously Wrong' With Society When It's Brave to Speak Basic Truths
The American flag swirls in the wind. (Photo credit: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) Every American generation has its heroes. Each heroic act is different. But many share one thing in common: The hero gave up his or her life. The greatest heroes throughout our history have given their lives either for another person or a greater cause.
Florida State Case Demonstrates: Cowardice Is The Demise Of Higher Education
Anyone that has paid even scant attention to the headlines over the last five years cannot help but notice that something has gone horribly awry in higher education. Historically, universities have been the marketplace of ideas, where our country’s best and brightest can discuss and debate important questions of science, philosophy, religion, and politics.
What Biden’s Presidency May Mean For First Amendment Freedoms On Campus
The dangers for American college students and professors posed by Joe Biden’s presidency are not necessarily tied to a specific piece of legislation that he supports. Rather, the dangers arise from the ideologies of identity politics and cancel culture that are endemic throughout his platform. Choosing to focus primarily on other issues, President Biden avoided saying much about free speech and academic freedom, leaving it to be addressed by his political allies and in the media.
OPINION: U.S. Supreme Court should hold Georgia Gwinnett College accountable
In response to the incident, the Lawrenceville college has already changed policy to make it easier for students, guest speakers and organizations to speak on campus. That fact led a federal court judge in 2018 to dismiss a lawsuit filed by two students against Georgia Gwinnett College asserting their free speech rights were violated by administrators when they were prevented from campus evangelizing. The judge said the college had resolved the main issues in the students’ legal challenge.
The Death Of Truth
“Justice is the handmaiden of truth, and when truth dies, justice is buried with it.” —Ravi Zacharias When journalist Abigail Shrier published a scholarly book examining the sudden explosion among young women of a formerly rare condition known as gender dysphoria, she knew her research would meet pushback. In fact, she welcomed it, because she believes that rigorous discussion is an essential part of the search for truth.
The Death Of Truth
"Justice is the handmaiden of truth, and when truth dies, justice is buried with it." -Ravi Zacharias When journalist Abigail Shrier published a scholarly book examining the sudden explosion among young women of a formerly rare condition known as gender dysphoria, she knew her research would meet pu...
LANGHOFER: Free Speech On Campus: A Tale of Two Professors
Andrew Koppelman, a Northwestern University law professor, recently published two articles, each one about a professor under fire for his classroom speech. But he treats the two professors vastly different, illustrating the double standard that is far too prevalent in today’s free speech debates. He, like too many, says: I support free speech, unless I disagree with you. Koppelman’s Aug.
First Amendment lawyer, WSU grad: They shouldn’t have canceled Ivanka Trump’s speech
Tyson Langhofer Bruce Ellefson Ask anyone who knows me. They will tell you I love Wichita State University. I am a proud 1996 graduate of the W. Frank Barton School of Business. My family and I have been basketball season ticket holders for almost 20 years. Some of our favorite memories are of attending Shocker basketball games. So I was disappointed to learn that Wichita State canceled Ivanka Trump’s planned keynote graduation address because some students disagree with her views.
What 'Chariots of Fire' can teach us about how to respond to COVID-19
By Tyson Langhofer, Op-ed Contributor | Sunday, May 17, 2020 In 1924, Scottish track athlete Eric Liddell was the favorite to win the 100-meter dash at that year’s Olympics. All of Scotland pinned its hopes on Eric to win the country’s first ever gold medal. But then disaster struck. Courtesy of Tyson Langhofer Eric learned that the heats for the 100-meter race were scheduled on a Sunday. For most people, this would pose no problem. Sunday is just another day of the week.
Gov. Laura Kelly is wrong to single out Kansas churches for punishment
This past weekend, two small churches in Kansas found a safe, responsible way to gather in person to worship. With rural congregations and punishing April winds across the plains, First Baptist Church of Dodge City and Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City both encountered unique challenges trying to pull off livestreaming and drive-in services.
Opinion: Collier School District officials bring personal prejudices to bear in nixing student club
Tyson Langhofer Published 2:00 p.m. ET Nov. 14, 2019 Groucho Marx once famously demurred on an invitation to join a prestigious organization, saying, “I could never be a member of a club that would have someone like me for a member.” Administrators for Collier County Public Schools apparently have a different take on that idea: They could never allow a student club to exist if they themselves wouldn’t join it.
Public school teacher's firing wasn't just about a pronoun, but about intolerance for different beliefs
Tyson C. Langhofer serves as senior counsel and director of the Center for Academic Freedom with Alliance Defending Freedom. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN. (CNN)A pronoun is never just a pronoun. It always points to something bigger. On this one essential fact we can all agree. That was the starting point in Allison Hope's recent column.
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