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First Amendment

Helen Thomas' Alma Mater Ends Diversity Award Named After Her

Eric Lach | December 9, 2010, 8:30AM

Helen Thomas

Retired journalist Helen Thomas reignited the controversy regarding her views about Jews and Israel last week at an Arab-American workshop in Dearborn, Michigan. Thomas, who was forced to apologize and retire last spring after saying Jews "should get the hell out of Palestine" and "go home," said in a speech last week that "Congress, the White House and Hollywood, Wall Street are owned by the Zionists."

In response, Wayne State University announced it would end the Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity Award.

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Topics: First Amendment, Helen Thomas, Michigan, Racism, Wayne State University

Oklahoma

Judge Blocks Okla. Sharia Ban: Case Goes To 'Very Foundation Of Our Country'

Rachel Slajda | November 29, 2010, 5:26PM

CAIR Oklahoma Director Muneer Awad

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction against Oklahoma's so-called "Sharia ban," saying the case goes "to the very foundation of our country, our Constitution, and particularly, the Bill of Rights."

Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange, who presides over a federal court in the western district of Oklahoma, ruled that a CAIR official suing to block the law will likely succeed in his efforts.

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Topics: 2010 Elections, CAIR, First Amendment, Oklahoma, Sharia

Lawyer Jailed For Refusing To Say The Pledge of Allegiance

Rachel Slajda | October 8, 2010, 9:53AM

A lawyer in Tupelo, Miss., was thrown in jail Wednesday for refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance in court.

When the judge asked the court to rise and say the Pledge, the lawyer, Danny Lampley, stood but did not say the words. According to local reports, Lampley, known for taking on First Amendment cases, has done so before.