Browsing by Author "Morris, Pamela L."

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    Entertaining free expression on public sidewalks: Are city ordinances kicking musical muses to the curb?
    (Taylor & Francis, 2018) Morris, Pamela L.; Sarapin, Susan H.; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Freedom of expression, provided by the First Amendment, is a core part of the foundation of our democracy. Yet those who use public places for artistic expression, such as music, are still fighting to benefit from this right, a right vital to their ability to earn a living from musical performances. Historically, both in the United States and elsewhere, buskers, those who perform on the streets for tips, have been subjected to unreasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of their speech, and, at times, outright banishment from constitutionally protected public fora. This article demonstrates why current restrictions on street performers constitute clear violations of free speech through an examination of historical restrictions, case law, and the current rules and regulations of four US cities. Obtaining an ostensibly permanent decision from the Supreme Court is not the solution for ensuring the free-speech rights of street performers. Rather, we present an example of model regulations that, if embraced by individual localities, can ensure proper protection for the First Amendment rights of musicians in public spaces.
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    Mis-Framing of Sex Trafficking in News Reports: Crimes, Offenders, and Victims
    (IGI Global, 2022) Morris, Pamela L.; Desmond, Scott A.; IUPUC Liberal Arts
    Media shapes public perceptions about sex trafficking; how and under what circumstances sex trafficking occurs and by who and to whom are framed by news reports. This study examines a four-year span of U.S. news reports of law enforcement and judicial actions against sex traffickers (2017-2021). Articles were coded to determine the frames presented to readers. The results confirm that journalists continue to reduce trafficking to a crime problem, over-represent certain kinds of victims and perpetrators, and fail to educate readers about the definition of, causes of, and remedies for sex trafficking. Such reporting needs to improve the way it educates audiences about causes, solutions, perpetrators, and survivors. This is vital to better prepare the public—and law enforcement—to participate in combatting sex trafficking through reporting, funding services, and shaping effective public policy.
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    Mobile phones in the classroom: Policies and potential pedagogy
    (University of Rhode Island, 2020) Morris, Pamela L.; Sarapin, Susan; IUPUC Division of Liberal Arts
    Many university instructors (76% of our survey) have a mobile phone policy in their classrooms, due to the distractions of unregulated use. Yet only about half of those who ask students to put down their phones report that these policies are effective. Given that students want to and will use their phones, are instructors taking the opportunity to integrate these mobile devices as a part of media literacy or other pedagogy? We conducted a nationwide survey of more than 150 college instructors to explicate what policies are used, and where they come from; how they are enforced (e.g. rewards and punishments); and for those instructors who use mobile phones in instruction, whether and how the technology is used for academic purposes. Respondents (74%) permit mobile phones for basic classroom activities, but lack true integration with teaching and learning.
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    On the dole for the homeless soul: Religious and sex discrimination by sectarian adoption services
    (Peter Lang, 2022) Morris, Pamela L.; Sarapin, Susan H.
    Religious institutions have historically taken care of orphaned or unwanted children. Although the U.S. has provided public child services for nearly a century, the country still relies heavily on private, faith-based organizations to care for and place children with families. Some of these organizations receive public funds, yet their mission statements often prioritize placing young people with families that meet religious standards; they may reject parents who have religions or lifestyles that they disagree with. Such religious discrimination brings to the fore the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, as well as social considerations such as the Best Interests of the Child (BIC). This chapter will explore the legal, political, and social labyrinth that is closing doors to potential parents in favor of saving souls.