Weekly publisher studies free speech at First Amendment Institute

Editor’s Note: Jay White is the winner of the 2004 TPA First Amendment Institute Scholarship. The scholarship pays the tuition of one TPA member to attend all four sessions of the institute, which is an in-depth study of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. The institute is sponsored by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. White is publisher of the Munday Courier, Stonewall County Courier and Twin Cities News.

 

By Jay White

Prior to the first session of the First Amendment Institute’s study of the First Amendment, I must admit that I was concerned that a small town publisher of weekly newspapers didn’t belong at the table with lawyers, managing editors of big city dailies, and even the vice president of The Dallas Morning News.

My fellow classmates, however, soon made me feel right at home.

Our study of the First Amendment during this session (March 5-6 in Dallas) dealt with freedom of speech and the case studies of Supreme Court rulings

on five separate cases.

The thing that was most fascinating and engaging for me was the fact that we took such a close look at the concept of “freedom of speech” and just exactly what it meant.  

Perhaps as a result of this particular class I’ll find myself more tolerant of other viewpoints and opinions, whether I think they are right or wrong.

I found myself particularly concerned for our appellate court justices and the incredible responsibility they have in interpreting the United States Constitution.

And I see how important it is to us all that the objective rulings of our courts continue to reflect the real and true meaning of the First Amendment through non-biased or improperly influenced decision making.