Patron Banned for Cussing

Libraries have rules and one of them is that thou shalt not use expletives in front of the children. That isn’t much consolation for the offender, however, as he is pretty ticked over the fact that he received a one-year suspension for using the “F” word. His claim is that it violates his free speech rights. According to the “…researcher, author and self-described library activist…” “He considers himself outspoken but even-keeled and says citizens should be able to use whatever language they please, with only very narrow constraints.” Outspoken indeed. It wasn’t his first time. Given that and his comment about the library staff he offended, one can’t help but wonder about his take on plain old decency and courtesy toward others. Read More.

June 5, 2004 by Uncategorized 2

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2 Responses

  1. mdoneil says:
    June 5, 2004 at 2:46 am

    What a f-
    Library Activist my eye. This scholar didn’t like computer policy so he resorts to indecent language. He didn’t like the response he received from library staff so he repeated his indecent remark.

    The library should be a quiet place to study or read, not a public forum for every idiot who wants to experss their displeasure. I’m outspoken, a term by which the foul mouthed former library patron refers to himself, however I manage to keep the cursing in check.

    Too bad this fine American didn’t understand what controlled vocabulary really means.

    Reply
  2. leeb says:
    June 5, 2004 at 9:50 am

    Re:What a f-
    People like Mr Maxwell misunderstand the word “freedom of speech”. Freedom of speech does not mean that he can say whatever he wants. It comes with social responsibility and decent civilised behaviour. How would he like it if I said I have the freedom of expression to call him “f***ing idiot” every minute of the day? To the likes of him, that would be my freedom of expression and he couldn’t stop me. I’m sure he would not be pleased about that!! How about if the library staff called him “f***ing idiot” everytime he came in to the library? Would he like that? To his logic, the librarians would be exercising their freedom of expression!

    Reply

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