The City of Columbia and the Columbia Police Department (CPD) announced in late June the institution of a “zero tolerance for hate speech” policy on their social media platforms – including the apparent adoption of a “block list” for violators. “We have seen an increase in vulgar, racist, threatening, bullying, and disrespectful comments under reels and other posts,” the city and its police force noted. “This type of language and behavior will not be tolerated on our social media platforms.” Take a look…******The city’s attempt to police interaction online drew a swift rebuke from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a group which “defends free speech nationwide.” ***The city was given until August 20, 2026 to provide a “substantive response” to FIRE, per the letter.