Free speech is one of the most important rights we have. In the United States, it’s protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution. This means that people have the right to express their opinions or ideas without facing punishment from the government. We can discuss politics and religion, and even critique leaders or laws. This freedom helps keep our country open and democratic.

“Free speech is something I value a lot. But it’s also something that can be very dangerous,” said 9th-grade CHS student Cameron Cheong.

Free speech doesn’t mean people can say anything they want without consequences. That’s where the difference between free speech and hate speech comes in. Hate speech is when someone says something that targets or attacks a person based on things like race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. It’s more than being mean. It’s speech that can lead to violence, discrimination, or fear.

It’s a tricky subject because sometimes people say harmful things and try to justify their actions by citing “free speech.” Not all speech is protected, though. For example, threats, bullying, or speech that encourages violence are not allowed. Schools and workplaces can also have rules about respectful behavior, even if something might technically be legal to say.

On multiple instances, Popular Hip-Hop and Rap artist Kanye “Ye” West idolized Adolf Hitler on X. He wore clothing representing the Ku Klux Klan, the KKK, a white supremacist group. This is considered to be hate speech because it diminishes and hurts others, he hides behind the idea of free speech.

“The stuff Kanye said on Twitter was crazy. As a Jewish person, it made me feel marginalized, and I can imagine it’s similar for the African-American community,” said 9th-grade CHS student Judah Ilous.

Free speech is about expressing yourself, sharing ideas, and having healthy debates. But it should never be used as an excuse to hurt others. Just because you can say something doesn’t always mean you should. Understanding the distinction between free speech and hate speech helps protect our rights while also protecting one another.