I read this morning that almost 1,200 international students and recent graduates have been identified for deportation by the State Department. There are a lot of accusations being tossed around, and as with all cases like this, it is often difficult to find the truth in the whirlwind. Some of them are obviously pro-terrorist, like those who support Hamas, while others are less clear. What seems clear, however, is that there are forces at work in this country that are challenging what we believe about free speech and hate speech. It has always been a question for us – how far is too far? Is all speech permissible, or are there limits?
For example, if someone denies the Holocaust and claims that Jews are trying to control or even destroy America, is that hate speech? If someone says that all Muslims are terrorists and should be jailed, deported, or even executed, is that hate speech? What about the dramatic rise in anti-LGBTQ speech and laws – does this qualify as free speech – often based on religious interpretation – or hate speech? Free speech comes in many forms, from news reporting to comedy sketches to burning the American flag; but we always wonder – how far is too far? Does academic freedom mean you can teach whatever you want? Does freedom of the press mean you can print anything? And can politicians lie and claim they have the right to their opinion? What about people who lie about vaccines and autism?
Greater minds than mine have struggled with this quandary to no avail, so I make no assumptions that I know the answers. I do know this: the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and it doesn’t limit who gets those rights. You don’t have to be a citizen to be protected, but you also don’t have unlimited access to all that this country offers. The right to speak freely also comes with responsibilities, and the responsibility of all citizens and elected officials is to make sure our rights are not trampled on. Either everyone is free, or nobody is free. We are in for an interesting ride.
Prayer – Holy God, may we find the truth in all we do, even if we don’t like it. Amen.
Today’s art is “Celebrate Freedom” by Larry Poncho Brown.