TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — As conversations surrounding the freedom of speech continue to spark debates across the country, Troy University Libraries are working to help students know their rights.
The First Amendment is what gives people in the United States the freedom of religion, assembly, petition, press and speech, but are those rights guaranteed in every scenario?
“It’s good to know your rights in general, but it is good to understand what’s covered so there are no misunderstandings,” said Head of Resource Rachel Hooper. “A lot of the time, people don’t know what they can and can not do. For example, the government won’t censor your speech, but if you work for a private organization, they might have certain policies or regulations that you have to follow.
“It might be a little more stringent on what you can do or say.”
Debates about freedom of speech increased even more when late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was pulled from the air after making comments about Charlie Kirk’s killer. That decision sparked several heated conversations about what speech is and is not protected.
TOP STORIES: Troy Public Radio reacts to federal funding cuts
“I think it is good in any landscape,” said Hooper. “It is always good to know what your rights are, what you can do, what you shouldn’t do, and what you can’t do.”
If you are unsure if your rights are being violated or threatened, there are resources at your disposal.
“The American Library Association has the First Amendment Academy. So, you can click on that, and it has quizzes and courses that you can go through that will give you more in-depth information about it. I was going through the quizzes earlier, and it will give you a scenario and ask if it is a First Amendment right and is it protected or not protected. It gives you a better understanding of what is allowed and what’s not allowed.”
Troy University libraries also offer books and governmental links to help further inform those interested in learning more. An email with more information about the first amendment was sent out to Troy users’ email, which also included quizzes and other resources.
