I was 15 years old when I first stepped into a journalism classroom at my high school. Little did I know, but I would slowly fall in love with journalism, and use my writing as an outlet for self expression and exploration. I was always the kid in class who never raised their hand, never expressed opinions and always tried to make myself smaller for the sake of others. Finally, I had a platform, method and means in which I could channel my thoughts, ideas and opinions. At first, I was hesitant. However, that hesitation quickly turned to excitement as I set up interviews, pitched story ideas and grew comfortable navigating the newsroom.
As a journalist, the 1st Amendment guides everything I do. Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy and of a free and open society. Who are we if we cannot use our voice?
— Caroline Christensen
Then, my friend and colleague pitched an idea to investigate the sex education courses taught during health classes at my high school. During our research and interviews, we found a startling pattern of teachers who would publically shame people who were sexually active, troubling narratives surrounding rape and consent and no comprehensive education for safe LGBTQ+ sex was being provided. We poured over the piece for hours writing and rewriting until, finally, we published it.
A few hours after it was published, a health teacher came barrelling into our newsroom and proceeded to tell us that our piece was, “misleading” and “disgusting.” While the high school version of me was mortified, the person I am now knows I did something right with that article. Sometimes stories make people uncomfortable and force them to reflect on things they don’t necessarily want to reflect upon.
That is the beauty of journalism and the beauty of free speech. I had the right to create and publish a well researched piece about the lack of comprehensive sex education at my high school, and my high school health teacher had the right to express how upset she was about it. Sure, sometimes stories spark outrage but at least it starts a conversation. These conversations can be productive or destructive, but the point is we can have those conversations in the first place.
As a journalist, the 1st Amendment guides everything I do. Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy and of a free and open society. Who are we if we cannot use our voice? Who are we if we cannot disagree and discuss? To me, that is what freedom is. Despite all our problems and imperfections, we can express our discontentment or views on a controversial subject without fear.
The University of Northern Iowa supports and upholds the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and the principles of academic and artistic freedom. We encourage the free and responsible exchange of diverse ideas on our campus. The University is committed to open inquiry and the spirited and thoughtful debate of such ideas.
— UNI's Free Speech Statement
This opinion section is here for just that reason; to provide a platform to disagree, discuss and reflect. In our current political climate, with national and local elections looming on the horizon, these discussions are needed more than ever. While you will not agree with everything published in this section this year, I hope our articles spark constructive conversation and reflection.
Want to make your voice heard? Send a Letter to the Editor at [email protected].
