ND Supreme Court says racial slur not free speech
North Dakota's Supreme Court ruled a white girl who used racial slurs to taunt a black classmate isn't protected by the U.S. Constitution's free speech guarantees.
A juvenile court judge ruled the 14-year-old, who is white, had committed disorderly conduct when she used a slur against the 17-year-old African-American girl.
The confrontations occurred last February in a bathroom during a Valley City school dance, and later at a local pizza parlor. An attorney for the 14-year-old girl argued her client was within her free-speech rights by using the slur.
But the Supreme Court ruled her statements were "fighting words" intended to provoke a violent reaction, and they weren't protected by the First Amendment.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.