Okay, i was talking to a friend in my high school class, and i mentioned to a friend, that I thought a kid in the class was gay, and i didnt taunt that person, but he did happen to hear it. I am wondering if that is Harrassment, because, where exactly does the "Freedom of Speech" Clause step out, and the "Harrassment" Clause step in? I dont think this is b/c i was just telling one of my friends my opinion, and he overheard, how is that harrassment, i didnt actually go up to him and say..."You're Gay!"
Please let me know what you know.
2007-02-07 13:40:43 · 10 answers · asked by helix 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
He reported me to the office, and they are getting whitnesses, and i really dont want to get into any trouble, when i dont feel i did anything.
2007-02-07 13:48:29 · update #1
ohh...crap, i live in GA
2007-02-07 14:06:18 · update #2
What you did was not harassment. It would be considered harassment if you continually stated some form negative statement towards him. Or if you acted upon your statements by using deliberate threats toward him. Otherwise, you did not make a harassing comment.
2007-02-07 13:58:07 · answer #1 · answered by meeke 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You were "politically incorrect". Harassment is usually something that is on going, not a one time comment. You do have "Freedom of Speech" but you do not have "Freedom to Gossip and Start Stupid Rumors".
All of your rights under the constitution come with the obligation to use those rights responsibly. You abused that right and the school will slap you upside your head. If you were an adult, you would be sued for slander.
You owe your victim an apology, the sooner the better.
By the way, Freedom of Speech is not a Clause, it is the first amendment and there is no Harassment Clause.
2007-02-07 16:55:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is harrassment. What you were doing was spreading gossip. You obviously knew nothing about the kid, nor did you know anything about his sexual preference. You just opened your big mouth about a private issue that is none of your business. You accused someone of something with no basis of fact. In your heart, you know you were being mean and nasty and just trying to start something.
High school students like you suffer from diarrhea of the mouth and constipation of the brain... I hope your school does hold a hearing on this and get your parents involved. Perhaps you will learn a very valuable lesson.
2007-02-07 16:18:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Constitution does protect free speech but only if it does not incite hate or creates a riot situation. In this case, your comment could be construed as hate speech, which is not against the law, but it can be against the rules of your school, meaning you could get thrown out. Maybe next time you should just shut up and talk after school.
2007-02-10 16:45:39 · answer #4 · answered by Rhode Island Red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
harrasment in court, is anything that makes a person feel uncomfortable. While this guy would have to be really stretching to call the situation you describe as harrasment, well, my cousin went to court in Georgia while attending college charged with sexual harassment for "looking too much". so while it may sound absurd, be careful, in a harassment case the sympathy is never with the accused.
2007-02-07 13:53:16 · answer #5 · answered by yeraluzer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definition of Harassment:
To irritate or torment persistently.
To wear out; exhaust.
To impede and exhaust (an enemy) by repeated attacks or raids.
So, unless you're in this kid's face on a near constant basis, he overhearing what you said does not constitute "harassment."
2007-02-07 13:46:34 · answer #6 · answered by Rebel-X 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2007-02-07 16:23:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chanting it aloud would be harrassment. Voicing your opinion, is your opinion. The person you confided in may take it one way or the other. He may think "you're a tool or bonehead". Sometimes it is better to keep opinions to yourself.
2007-02-07 13:47:42 · answer #8 · answered by ButwhatdoIno? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You were not harassing anyone. You were talking to a friend.
The gay guy, however was EAVESDROPPING on your conversation. If anyone did anything "wrong," it was him.
2007-02-07 16:15:36 · answer #9 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not herrasment but it doesent seem very nice to talk about others that way but no its not consitered hurrasment
2007-02-07 13:49:53 · answer #10 · answered by bearcatz_07 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋