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[branford]

60. What exception to First Amendment do you believe covers the OP's conduct?

It's been a long while since my law school constitutional law classes, but I cannot think of any First Amendment exceptions that (i) prohibits Fox news from broadcasting, (ii) prevents anyone from watching on their own television, (iii) permits someone to unilaterally prevent someone from watching Fox on their television, or (iv) allows someone to alter another's passwords or steal or damage their property because they are offended by someone's speech. There is certainly no "listening to Fox is cruel," "Fox is a bunch of bigots" or "Isn't watching Fox like yelling fire in a crowded theater" exception to the Constitution.

We agree that Fox news is generally offensive and we do not wish to watch it. That does not give you or I the right to prevent anyone else from watching it. Everyone has a right to be a fool.

The television at issue was owned by the OP's company. She could have requested that they turn the channel or turn-off the television. However, the decision what to watch ultimately belonged to the company, not the OP. Instead of acting like an adult, even even just changing the channel, she altered passwords and hid or stole the remote control. How is that ever acceptable conduct from a responsible adult, not less a liberal who believes in free speech?

What's done is done and I certainly do not wish for the OP to be disciplined or fired by her employer. However, if she is ever disciplined, it would be entirely justified.