Freedom of speech: our right that is being covertly undermined

People of all ages and backgrounds believe our right to speak whenever and wherever we choose is protected. On the other hand, there are groups of all sizes with mixed ideological beliefs claiming our 1st amendment rights are being taken away. The question who to

believe is what many continually grapple with.

When thinking about free speech, London’s Hyde Park has an area known as speakers’ corner that comes to mind. It’s a well-known corner where people, to this day, gather and listen to different speakers on a range of issues. The basic right to have a voice was not lost on our founding fathers. They knew the importance of ensuring people were free to speak, particularly against their government. This led to the 1st amendment of the Bill of Rights, which states:

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.

Over the past several years education has attempted to control the narrative by denouncing that freedom of speech is being twisted to the point of vanishing. Regardless of politics or ideology, sharing an opinion or providing a comment has led to doxing, cancelling, or worse. These actions have risen to a level where people are afraid to use their voice. Some would say this is by design and maybe it is but denying anyone their right to speak is unconstitutional. Of course, all dialogue should be done with respect, civility, and the understanding that individuals will disagree.

Consider the claims of book banning and how heated this continues to be. Reality is no books are being banned because books can be bought from book sellers or checked out from public libraries. The major concern regarding books is parents do not want their K-12 aged child being exposed, introduced to, or subjected to pornography and sexually graphic content.

Parents are pushing back on the system, speaking against this filth, and exposing the deprivation that has infiltrated classrooms. This should outrage every parent and taxpayer when they see what some of these classroom library books include. Rather than fight one another, discussions should focus on ensuring age-appropriate instructional materials are academically beneficial to future employment and success.

Local and state school boards as well as state and national associations tried to limit public comment periods, shut down or limit access to meeting places, and silence those who dared to speak against vaccines and mask mandates. Some cowered to the pressure while others stood their ground and continued to let their voices be heard.

Recall the letter issued by the Department of Justice calling parents domestic terrorists. Let’s not forget school boards voting to reduce public comment periods or move to the end of the agenda. Many attempts to silence the public failed primarily due to people speaking out, having hindsight, and evidence that these claims were based on false narratives and ideology. Yet, the battle covertly continues.

Probably the largest group affected by attempts to silence speech are teachers. Many local school board members can attest to teachers sharing information but ask to remain anonymous for fear of losing their job. In most districts, the education system is the largest employer. When a teacher speaks out against the status quo, makes a comment against the system, or voices an opinion counter to the progressive union supported ideology, they become a target. Punishment may be a written disciplinary action, reassignment to another classroom or school, or refusal to renew their employment contract.

Let’s not forget unions and their associations. These entities are the most offensive to free speech. They claim to support teachers yet do virtually nothing but demand the status quo. Extorted dues only support a biased, socially divisive, and non-academic business model. Records reveal they are heavily biased in their political donations. Teachers are encouraged to strike which does nothing positive for student learning. And they deceive those who place their trust in them. It’s shameful what the teachers’ unions, NEA and AFT, profess to support.

Education is not the only institution or industry that has tried to shut down those who want their voices to be heard. However, the more tyrants try to silence the masses, the more people speak out, which drives an increase in competition to develop alternatives. This brings to mind a line from abolitionist William Wilberforce in the movie Amazing Grace: “No matter how loud you shout you will not drown out the voice of the people.” This is an absolute truth.

Author Karen Hiltz, EdD, is a speaker and author from Sebastian, FL. Dr. Hiltz is a Navy veteran, retired federal procurement professional and former professor of business and public school board member. She has a BA and MBA in Management and an EdD in Leadership Studies.

• 2024 Election

• Constitution

• Freedom of Speech

• Founding Fathers

• Government Censorship

• Bill of Rights

• Doxing

• Canceling

• Book banning

• parental rights

• public comment periods

• teachers unions