Freedom Of Speech: Students’ Speech

Name: Professor’s Name: Course: Due Date: Freedom of Speech In the United States, free speech is something that often leads to numerous debates. People debate over the meaning of free speech and what should be considered as free speech. In the recent past, university students have been involved in a tussle against their schools with the former trying to make sure the latter respects its right of free speech. However, schools appear to wield a lot of power over their students because it is reported that a majority of higher education institutions in the U.S. restrict speech. A 2018 article from The Fire reports that “the vast majority of students at America’s top colleges and universities surrender their free speech rights the moment they step onto campus.” Of the 466 American colleges, 89.7% are said to “maintain policies that restrict – or too easily could restrict – student and faculty expression.” These are numbers from one of the countries that is believed to be sensitive to matters freedom of speech. But, is it right to restrict speech among university students? Another question that needs to be asked is what should be allowed or what constitutes free speech for university students? Well, to answer the first one, it is not right to restrict or gag free speech among students. Students need to be allowed to say what they want, but this has to be within the set rules and regulations of the schools. However, if the school’s rules and regulations are discriminative towards particular precepts or stances, then students should be free to question and inquire further. So, with a focus on the 1st amendment, this paper seeks to support the notion that students’ speech should not be restricted in any way and that they should be allowed to speak and question what they want but within the set rules and regulations. Background Free speech comes from the 1st amendment. It was among the first ten amendments that were included in the U.S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights, which constitutes all the ten amendments, was first introduced in 1789. However, it was not until 1791, when the Bill of Rights was adopted. Numerous debates have raged on regarding the intent of the writers of the constitution who thought it best to include free speech as the 1st amendment. The First Amendment reads: 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. The original intent of free speech had been a matter of debate for a long time now, and there have been different interpretations that seek to drive towards particular ends. The first interpretation is that free speech means that the government has no power over what people choose to say. However, many have said that this is the literal meaning of the first amendment because people can use speech to fuel hate and initiate violence. So, there indeed need for restrictions. So, what exactly does free speech mean? Well, Campbell from Richmond Law offers an explanation into the above issue. First of all, he notes that “the First Amendment says only that Congress cannot abridge �...