[freedumb2003]

Intersting this is in sfgate...

But we need to be mindful that the 1st Amendment doesn't apply to private institutions, such as businesses and private schools (although those can be eceonomically influenced).

[oh8eleven]

the 1st Amendment doesn't apply to private institutions
Really? How so?

[satchmodog9]

Some of these noted actions were on foreign soil and one was actually from some sort of government transit worker. I do believe he should be covered by the constitution. That whole government shall make no law ...

[Wallace T.]

The Washington Metro transit board and Cal Poly are not part of the private sector, but are government entities. It would seem that First Amendment protections should apply in these institutions. As for the legal problems of Oriana Fallaci and David Irving, they occurred in Italy and Austria, respectively. Continental European nations have never recognized a broadly interpreted right to free speech in the sense the United States has. Not even Britain and the Commonwealth countries enjoy the level of freedom we have in this area, as evidenced by "hate speech" laws on the books in Britain and Canada.

[tophat9000]

But we need to be mindful that the 1st Amendment doesn't apply to private institutions, such as businesses and private schools

You are correct in your statment

U.S. Constitution: First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.