One of the perks of being a journalist, especially a columnist, is the ability to write whatever I want. We, the people, have the freedom to speak our minds and to write whatever we like. Because of this, stories published can range anywhere from light, heartfelt events to serious political debates. This is all thanks to the First Amendment of the Constitution, which grants us freedom of speech.

It is this amendment that allows our media to give the public different opinions without interference from the government or other officials. Unfortunately, this law doesn’t seem to protect them from all repercussions. Journalists have even been fired for reporting their opinion. 

In 2010, journalist Juan Williams was fired for sharing his personal feelings upon seeing people he believed to be Muslims at an airport. 

He might or might not have been out of line by giving his opinion on the subject, but it is only his opinion. As a columnist, it is our job to write our opinion just like it is a police beat reporter’s job to write about the latest police matters.

In 2013, Drew Johnson, editor for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, was dismissed for writing a negative editorial about President Barack Obama. The problem began when Johnson changed the approved headline for his editorial. The new title, “Take Your Job Plans and Shove It, Mr. President,” did not sit well with Johnson’s superiors. As a result, he was let go.

 Although Johnson might not have chosen the most appropriate headline, it was unnecessary to have him fired for expressing how he felt.

Both of these firings are in direct violation of the fiercely defended, but often misunderstood ideal of free speech. Williams and Johnson’s dismissals are not acceptable in a country whose foundation rests partly on its devotion to freedom. 

The situations were not that serious and didn’t cause any harm. They were terminated because their supervisors’ disagreement with what they published.

Some readers may think that it was inappropriate behavior and that it was a good thing that they were fired. Others may agree with the columns and are upset that they were fired over something that seems minor.

If harmless stories like Williams’ and Johnson’s are causing journalists to be fired, what will happen when a story that releases truth on similar subjects is published?

As a future journalist, I am worried about what will happen if I published a story or a column that spikes controversy with my superiors. Would I be fired? As a country, we need to abide by the amendments that our predecessors created for the betterment of the people.

Journalists are not the only ones threatened. Every person could be at risk of reprimand for expressing their opinion to the public. 

In 2010, Michael Anthony Marcavage was arrested for preaching his views on abortion while holding images on the subject. He was protesting on a public sidewalk and was forcibly removed from the scene.

During his trial, Marcavage correctly argued that his First Amendment rights had been violated. Officials had no right to arrest him for stating his beliefs in a public area. He was arrested simply for voicing his opinion with no evidence of any wrongdoings. As a result, the charges were dropped.

If incidents like this keeping happening, will there be a time when the American people won’t be allowed to freely express their opinion due to the fear of losing their jobs?

If so, our country needs to have a makeover that allows people to freely express themselves without being arrested or having their livelihoods put in jeopardy.