The First Amendment Series: Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech was the initial topic of focus in the First Amendment Series event which was hosted by Augusta University. (Graphic by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Managing editor

Augusta University’s Department of Communication and Office of Civic Engagement held the introductory event for The First Amendment Series.  

The event, which was co-hosted virtually, is the first of the series on which each topic of the First Amendment is discussed with the first being freedom of speech. 

The guest speaker for the event was David E. Hudson. Hudson is a media law and First Amendment expert who works for Hull Barret Attorneys in Augusta. Hudson additionally provides legal counsel for the Georgia Press Association. He has also argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.  

In highlight of recent discussion on the rights of the First Amendment, Hudson stated that no branch of government could disrupt the rights that are written within it.  

“…Arms of the state…They may not abridge freedom of speech or the freedom of the press,” he said. 

Speaking of the recent bans from companies such as Twitter, Facebook and Google, Hudson explained the rights those organizations hold under the First Amendment. 

“Now some people say they are violating the First Amendment… but these entities… they are private entities and as private entities, they can decide what they allow and what they won’t allow to be transmitted over their platform,” said Hudson. 

Hudson also addressed recent issues or the spread of misinformation and spoke of ways in which people can find reliable sources of news media. 

“What I look for in finding communications that I think you can trust– number one, they come from an entity that edits…” he said. “There are editors who read it, review it and try to correct it.” Hudson noted that accountability from these sources is also important. 

“Legitimate journalists and legitimate news organizations, if they make a mistake, they correct it,” he said. “They make it a goal to have authenticity and correctness.”  

Those who attended the event were also able to ask Hudson questions concerning matters of freedom of speech. When asked about the possibility of bias being lessened in news, Hudson answered that it is a matter of choice amongst people.  

“As the population of America becomes better educated, I think we have a better chance of working through the bad consequences of untrue and biased speech, but the burden is on us,” Hudson stated.  

The entire event can be watched at the following link for those affiliated with Augusta University.  

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/55c95474-ae00-4c3c-b301-845709f20c87 

The next series event covering freedom of the press is currently scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 at 1:00 p.m. Professor Debbie Van Tulle and University of Mississippi’s Dr. Samir Husni are expected to speak. For the link to attend, email dbulla@augusta.edu.