Stand up for free speech, press as policies attack the First Amendment

The Washtenaw Voice | Editorial

Student voices have been among the first to be silenced within this political climate. One of the first was Mahmoud Kahlil, a green card holder, prominent Palestinian activist and recent graduate of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Kahlil led campus protests against the Gaza war, negotiated with administrators on divestment from Israel and is a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen expecting a baby soon. He was at the forefront of many protests on Columbia’s campus. 

Last month, Kahlil was followed to his building and detained by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, handcuffed and detained after agents claimed to act on a State Department order, before being transferred from New Jersey to Louisiana. 

The arrest of Kahlil was a declaration from President Donald Trump as the first of many in his campaign to deport international students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, framing them as antisemitic Hamas sympathizers.

The Student Press Law Center, co-signed by other national student media organizations, released a media alert following the detainment of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student from Tufts University. Ozturk’s “only demonstrated offence was co-authoring an opinion piece published in her student newspaper” complied with current U.S. policy, according to the alert. 

Today, the essence of free speech is being tested, and it’s essential to reflect on the crucial role it plays in our society, especially in student journalism. 

Student journalists are at the forefront of topics that affect their campus. The First Amendment protects five freedoms, including speech and the press. All students at public institutions are protected under this law. From administrative censorship and retaliation to the complex pressures of maintaining objectivity in a politically charged environment, the hurdles faced by student journalists are becoming more prevalent.

The Voice is aware of these concerns, and we take pride in our promise to seek the truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular. We uphold our journalistic integrity through a Code of Ethics set by the Society of Professional Journalists, which calls for seeking the truth and reporting it, minimizing harm, acting independently and being accountable and transparent. 

In a world where the exchange of ideas is increasingly polarized, we must protect our rights to speak freely, without fear of punishment or reprisal from the government.

Now more than ever, we must stand firm in our belief that free speech and a free press are not just privileges but essential cornerstones of democracy.

Anyone can speak their opinion, not just student journalists. As long as the student does not violate college policies or interrupt classes, they have the right to speak out. Each college will have a different description of what is considered disruptive. Yet, the college finding your position disagreeable is not enough to qualify as disruptive behavior, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. 

Due to the uncertainty of the current political climate, familiarize yourself thoroughly with campus policy before you begin any activism. Policies for WCC can be found at https://www.wccnet.edu/about/policies/. 

Standing up for First Amendment rights is all of our responsibilities, whether you agree with the content or not. Speak out, do your research and we can create a climate where everyone can thrive and voices can be heard. 

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