State Rep. Brady helping look into possible free speech violation at Redbird Arena

Posted on March 7, 2017

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) is in contact with the administration at Illinois State University after he was informed by a constituent of a possible free speech violation.

A parent informed Brady a group of students were told by an ISU staff member they’d be kicked out of the Central Catholic High School girls basketball game inside Redbird Arena if they continued wearing President Trump apparel.

“(I) intend to have a little follow up regarding that,” said Brady. “Certainly, we want to be respective of free speech. We want to abide by rules. But, on the other hand, free speech is very concerning here.”

Central Catholic was playing in the girls IHSA Class 2A state tournament.

Brady believed the issue is moving in the right direction. A message has been left with ISU’s administration seeking comment.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…