4 ms·

I did not get the issue. Who is stopping him from boycotting whatever?

• sndman 5y ago
  Since he's being forced to sign an agreement, the state of Texas is forcing him to hold a particular political position in order to work and get paid by the City of Houston. His political opinion (and you can agree or disagree with it) is to boycott Israeli institutions as part of an international Boycott Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign because he disapproves of the treatment of Palestinian people living in the Occupied Territories. You can read about how Palestinians are treated in a recent Human Rights Watch report (just google, "Human Rights Watch Israel apartheid") and decide for yourself. This seems to violate the First Amendment rights to free speech and this is what the lower courts have held. So while the right to "free speech" is not absolute (one can't yell "fire" in a crowded theater), you are free to hold (and talk about) any political views. And a state (or federal) entity cannot punish you for your thoughts and speech (outside of work, of course). The reason this is important is that boycotts (and talking about and organizing them) have been a powerful tool for non-violent political action and have been used throughout the world since their origin in 1880's Ireland. But why is this important now? If a state or federal agency can require employees to hold certain political views, they can create all sorts of requirements (via laws) for not only employment, but other benefits and or services they provide. Hope this helps.