“Freedom” of speech

Maddison Farris
Lantern Staff

You will not run into many journalism, English, media or Mass Communications enthusiasts who are not familiar with the First Amendment, which reads as, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

This is the amendment that protects our freedom as Americans to express our beliefs and opinions. This mere paragraph in our constitution is a key part of the American culture. It is 100% true that people are allowed to say what they want when they want, and the government cannot silence you. However, there is a darkness that hovers over the First Amendment, an enemy to the voice of the passionate. Censorship.

You may not notice any amount of censorship around you or even realize when it has taken place, but that is exactly the problem. You will not read a news article and think, “Wow, this was censored,” because most censorship in the news happens behind closed doors and is purposefully hidden from the public.

One of the most referenced cases as displays of First Amendment rights is Tinker vs. Des Moines. In this case, authoritative figures attempted to stop a silent protest in violation of the First Amendment. This case was taken to the Supreme Court and made way for one of the most cited quotes of journalism history.

In the Tinker vs. Des Moines case, which took place in 1965, students silently protested against the war in Vietnam by each student wearing a black armband to school. Once the school board caught wind of this protest, a preemptive ban was placed declaring that the students’ protests needed to cease. Mary Beth Tinker, the 13-year-old who started the movement, was suspended for refusing to comply. They returned after their suspension with no armbands but wore black clothes instead. Tinker then filed a First Amendment lawsuit.
In the end, the Supreme Court sided with Tinker, and one of the most fundamental quotes in First Amendment history was expressed by Associate Supreme Court Justice Fortas, 1965.

“It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”

This is a perfect example of students standing up for their First Amendment rights in the face of authority. Standing up for your rights is something that comes along with having them. It is our privilege as Americans to work hard and protect our laws and constitution. People will always try to shut you down if your opinions and beliefs are not consistent with theirs, but as proud Americans, we have the right and freedom to protect our rights and express our beliefs. We have the beautiful freedom to exercise our ability to express free speech, free press, free religion, free to assemble and to petition. Free.

It is appalling that any authoritative figure would dare stand against these rights, but it happens all day every day. It is horrific that even though America takes great pride in its freedoms given to all its people, they still need to be defended. It is a shame that censorship occurs without the knowledge of the public. I implore you all to continue working hard and to understand your rights as Americans. I encourage you to know your freedoms and to be prepared to defend them because you will never be prepared for the day they are attacked.
Lastly, I urge you to exercise these rights. Read our constitution, read the amendments and know your privileges as an American citizen. Use these to your advantage and make a difference in your community. If not you, who?