Constitution Day program looks at social media

September 13, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Government agencies at all levels use Facebook and other social media. Many are unaware they may be more vulnerable than private sector users to lawsuits and other legal action.

A Constitution Day presentation – “All the President’s Tweets” – will
examine the complex relationship between the First Amendment and how it applies to government’s relationship to social media. It will be presented by Stephen C. O’Connell Chair and Professor of Law Lyrissa Lidsky from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday.

A discussion with UF Law Center for Governmental Responsibility Director Jon Mills and Brechner Center Executive Director Sandra Chance, moderated by UF Law Dean Robert Jerry, will follow. The presentation will take place in the UF Levin College of Law Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom, 180 Holland Hall.

UF’s Constitution Day Programs continues noon to 1:30 p.m. with “UF Reads the Constitution,” an open-mic reading of the U.S. Constitution on the Plaza of the Americas outside Library West. That event is sponsored by Smathers Libraries, and offers complimentary cake, lemonade and pocket copies of the Constitution.

It is presented jointly by the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Smathers Libraries in cooperation with UF’s Faculty Senate and Academic and Professional Assembly.