Tag: Michael Olivas

Houston Matters

Are Threatening Rap Lyrics Protected by Free Speech?

Posted on · Historically, courts have held that the First Amendment protects a broad range of expression, even offensive speech. But in recent years, there have been cases where such language – in the form of rap lyrics – has been introduced in criminal proceedings. The Supreme Court will rule soon in one such case – Elonis v. […]

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Air Quality and Rap Lyrics in Court: Wednesday’s Show (May 13, 2015)

Posted on · The American Lung Association recently released its annual “State of the Air” report, which studied air quality data from 2011 through 2013. While there’s some good news for Houston’s air quality, the report ranks the metropolitan area among the top ten when it comes to ozone pollution. The report comes a few days after the Environmental […]

Houston Matters

The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education 60 Years Later

Posted on · Exactly 60 years ago tomorrow, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education. The High Court ruled the concept of “separate, but equal” public schools for black and white students was unconstitutional. The ruling led to desegregation nationwide. While the spirit of the Brown decision […]

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Brown v. Board Legacy, Astrodome Revisited, and Lyricist Tim Rice: Houston Matters for Friday, May 16, 2014

Posted on · Exactly 60 years ago tomorrow, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education. The High Court ruled the concept of “separate, but equal” public schools for black and white students was unconstitutional. The ruling led to desegregation nationwide. While the spirit of the Brown […]