Freedom of Speech Isn’t a One-Way Street Essay Example

to dismiss players who choose not to stand during the national anthem led to a significant social movement among athletes on the sidelines. The protests by NFL players while the national anthem is played served as an inspiration for student athletes, resulting in them replicating the gesture. Predictably, many schools responded by directing their students to stand during the national anthem. These schools not only issued threats of severe disciplinary measures, such as loss of playing time, participation, and even expulsion from the team but also displayed a lack of comprehension regarding the core principle they are responsible for imparting to their students – the right to engage in peaceful protest.

The demonstrations have a central focus on the issue of race, irrespective of the individuals involved. Their collective objective is to express opposition towards racial injustice and discrimination. Regrettably, those in power who aim to penalize these protesters appear to be disregarding this fundamental aspect. Those who are against the protests frequently make incorrect assumptions that the demonstrators are showing disrespect towards veterans, allowing their emotions to overshadow rationality. This lack of understanding can be attributed once more to our president.

President Trump transformed the NFL demonstrations into a nationwide controversy when he denounced the protests as "a complete disrespect for everything we believe in." He called on NFL owners to dismiss players who kneel during the anthem and encouraged fans to boycott games as punishment for non-compliant owners. Once again, Trump is propagating an erroneous message regarding the principles of the First Amendment. Dissent plays a crucial role in this nation's establishment.

Gene Policinski, from Newseum, explains that public protest has a long history of representing

public sentiment and highlighting marginalized views. This includes protests against taxes during the Colonial era, as well as the prolonged fight against slavery and segregation, women's suffrage, and other important issues. The rights of free speech, press, assembly, and petition have played a crucial role in driving social change and were eventually incorporated into our Constitution.

In 1940, the Supreme Court upheld a law in the Minersville School District v. Gobitis case that required students in public schools to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Even individuals with religious objections had to follow this ruling. However, just three years later, violent incidents during attempts by authorities to enforce flag salutes led to the overturning of this decision.

Justice Robert H. Jackson emphasizes the significance of safeguarding an individual's freedom of speech, which encompasses their right to refrain from expressing opinions they do not agree with. Thus, it is preferable to endorse a president who appreciates and protects the right to peaceful protest rather than one who promotes terminating individuals and urging others to penalize them. Recently, a photograph captured by 60 white male high school students caused offense; nevertheless, due to the protection provided by the First Amendment, they were immune from any repercussions.

When NFL players kneeled during the national anthem, they angered many individuals, including our less mature president. It is important to recognize that freedom of speech applies to everyone. If one offensive action is protected, there should be no justification for excluding another.