Consequences for “reprehensible” behavior is not a First Amendment violation.
Last week, the Supreme Court unanimously overturned a ruling that allowed a former board member to sue for a formal act of discipline, claiming that the act violated his First Amendment rights. David Wilson, a former member of a college’s board of trustees, was censured via a vote by the Houston Community College System for “not only inappropriate, but reprehensible” conduct.
“The First Amendment surely promises an elected representative like Mr. Wilson the right to speak freely on questions of government policy. But just as surely, it cannot be used as a weapon to silence other representatives seeking to do the same,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the 13-page ruling.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the justices of the Supreme Court as they hear arguments and review the merits of appeals to the Constitution.
- For wisdom for the justices as they choose the cases they will hear.
- For clarity and understanding as the Supreme Court considers precedents as they interpret the law.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
