Community seeks clarity on First Amendment rights
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – Over 100 people gather to discuss the First Amendment, with the goal of leaving with a better understanding of their rights.'I wanted to find out what's going on', says Susan Hansen.As protests continue across the country, Evansville residents are seeking clarity on their fundamental rights.Susan Hansen is one of many who have questions.
Hansen says, 'It seems like the current president is trying to revert back to the old, old school way of things and deny us our rights and our abilities, and even to constrict us and overrule and run everything and there's supposed to be a division of power, and he is violating that division of powers, that's what I feel like.'The First Amendment at its basic definition protects the freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, the right to peacefully assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.History Professor Dr. James MacLeod, with the University of Evansville says, the First Amendment is the most important.McLeod says, 'Our students are certainty seeing what's been happening around the country to other students protesting over various issues and they are concerned about what would happen, what could happen on our campus.'
McLeod adds, 'I'm sure that our students are concerned, deeply concerned by their friends and colleagues who are international students.'Attorney Charles Berger also served as a panelist, a man who's studied the Bill of Rights since he was in high school.Berger emphasized how now is the time to have the in-depth discussions.Berger says, 'They need to let their government know they're not happy with what's happening. They should peacefully assemble at the risk of being harmed. I mean, in order to preserve freedom, you have to take risk and if you're not willing to take risk, then you will lose your freedom.'
The panel was hosted by BRIDGE, an organization that focuses on building respect and integrity in diverse greater Evansville.
The League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana also help partner to make this event happen.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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