EXPRESSING FREEDOM (OF THE PRESS)

The First Amendment:

“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.”­

Even as early as elementary school, I always knew that the First Amendment granted me my freedom of speech. Past that, however, I was unconcerned.

Attending my first photojournalism class has opened my eyes on this topic. When it comes to expression of the truth, the First Amendment impacts the freedom of the press and its laws and ethics to a great extent.

Being in the current position to write stories and cover events for the Owens Outlook online student newspaper, I’m learning that my First Amendment rights are more important than I ever thought. Though many people probably believe that being a part of a student newspaper at a community college is just a hobby that can be taken lightly, that is not the case.

I’ve learned by listening to my instructor in my visual storytelling class, and by participating in the Owens Outlook meetings every Monday, that telling every story in the most organic and true way is essential. People should rely on our newspaper for up-to-date information. Whether it is traffic, or fiscal information, a good amount of news is happening at Owens, and we are the only outlet to express it with an unbiased point of view.

With that in mind, the First Amendment is important in the essence that it will almost always keep holding people in higher positions accountable, and it will allow us as storytellers to connect with other students and inform them that they have a voice, as well.

Especially in a place like a college, with many tiers of pay, responsibility and power, a news outlet that tells true and ethical stories protected by the First Amendment is paramount.

#FirstAmendment #pressfreedom #lawandethics #constitutionalrights