Yale suspends Bushes' fraternity for sexist chants

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

True, although, I note that the constitution is supposed to just be pointing out that these are rights that people have, not rights granted by the government or the constitution itself. While that document only prohibits the government's interference, in the process that does lay down at least the argument that interference with these rights is inappropriate.

See, I don't know that I'd go that far. The idea of rights in the Constitution goes back to Magna Carta -- the idea that there are certain rights the Crown/the government must respect. The Constitution lays down the idea that interference with those rights by the government is wrong, because we cannot escape the government (without moving) and because the government has the power to imprison or punish. Generally speaking, I have no choice about what the government role in my life, but the Constitution says the government cannot punish me for expressing views it doesn't like, as one example.

Going to a particular college is a choice, on the other hand. If there is a college that is more strict about its students' conduct (Bob Jones or Brigham Young, for example), you can choose not to go there. It's just not the same kind of relationship as exists with the government.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

See, I don't know that I'd go that far. The idea of rights in the Constitution goes back to Magna Carta -- the idea that there are certain rights the Crown/the government must respect. The Constitution lays down the idea that interference with those rights by the government is wrong, because we cannot escape the government (without moving) and because the government has the power to imprison or punish. Generally speaking, I have no choice about what the government role in my life, but the Constitution says the government cannot punish me for expressing views it doesn't like, as one example.

Right - especially the bolded, which is pretty obvious when you look at (say) the Bill of Rights past the first two amendments ... 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 really only have application at a government level. Any "universal" (for lack of a better term) application kind of fails, because they're so specific to citizen/government interactions. The intent is thus laid bare.