Freedom of expression is covered under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which holds that Congress may pass no law that infringes on a person’s right to practice religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press or right to petition and assemble.

According to the the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an organization that has worked to protect first amendment rights since 1920, “Protecting free speech means protecting a free press, the democratic process, diversity of thought, and so much more.”

Because the constitution was written in the early days of America, U.S. citizens — whether politician or grassroots activist, teacher or student, young or old, first generation American or fifth — must question the application of the First Amendment at every level of our country. A truly free democracy is said to be characterized by freedom of expression, yet the realities of a democratic republic and free-market society show that the practice of the First Amendment must continually be examined.

The questions asked today (e.g., Where is the line between hate speech and free speech? Should participating in the pledge of allegiance or anthem be required? Can protests be restricted by law enforcement?) are essential.

Junior Abbey Alexander explained that although the First Amendment protects a person’s freedom of expression, it becomes difficult when misused.

“When I was in fourth grade,” Alexander said, “my teacher explained to us that everyone has freedom of speech, but if you yell ‘fire’ in a movie theatre when there’s no fire, you’re going to get in trouble. I think that applies [to hate speech], in a way. And I know people love to say ‘it’s just my opinion,’ but honestly, I’m not going to respect someone’s opinion if that opinion is disrespecting someone else’s life.”