Sri Lanka Implements Controversial Online Safety Act, Sparking Protests and Concerns Over Freedom of Speech

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s new Online Safety Act, which has recently come into force, is facing backlash from rights groups who argue that it is an attempt to suppress freedom of speech. The act grants extensive powers to a government commission to assess and remove content deemed “prohibited.” Despite claims from authorities that the act is aimed at combating cybercrime, critics contend that it is a means to stifle dissent in the lead-up to elections. In 2022, during a period of economic crisis, social media played a crucial role in protests that ultimately … Read more

Seattle Reaches $10 Million Settlement in Lawsuit Over George Floyd Protests

SEATTLE, Wash. – The City of Seattle has reached a settlement in a lawsuit involving more than 50 individuals who were affected by the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd. City Attorney Ann Davison agreed to a $10 million settlement, bringing an end to the legal proceedings which began in September 2020. The settlement comes as a relief to the city, as it allows them to focus on the present and move forward from the turmoil of last year. Davison highlighted the financial benefits of the settlement, stating that it was the best … Read more

Controversial Confederate Statue to Stay on Public Grounds Despite Protests, Judicial Ruling Announces

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – A Confederate statue that sparked protests will be allowed to remain in a public space, according to a recent ruling by a judge. The decision has reignited the debate surrounding Confederate monuments in the United States. The statue in question, which stands outside the old Guilford County courthouse in Greensboro, has been a source of controversy and tension for years. Activists argue that it symbolizes racism and oppression, while others maintain that it represents historical heritage. The ongoing battle over the statue has divided the community and sparked heated discussions about … Read more

Backlash to Social Justice Protests: Discriminatory Censorship Laws Silencing Students in Over 20 States

Boston, MA – Discriminatory censorship laws have been adopted by at least 21 states and 145 school districts or local governments, according to new research conducted by legal scholars at Boston University and West Virginia University. These laws aim to silence discussions on topics such as racism, sexual orientation, gender identity, and American history in schools. The research suggests that these laws originated as a response to the racial justice protests in the summer of 2020 and the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion measures in educational settings. The laws, as described by the researchers, … Read more