Freedom of speech is guaranteed to all by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This separates us from other countries around the world and protects us from punishment for proclaiming what we may think or believe — with some exceptions made in the United States when the safety of the people is in jeopardy. Freedom of speech is an important part of democracy, and it is largely what sets the United States of America apart from other nations.

Recently, on Oct. 21, Fox News reported that DePaul University banned the University’s chapter of College Republicans from using pro-life posters that said “Unborn Lives Matter,” calling them “bigotry” and provocative towards members of the Black Lives Matter movement for the similarity between the two signs. The University was protecting the freedom of speech of one group, but hindering the freedom of another.

Freedom of speech can swing both ways on the pendulum. Another example is Colin Kaepernick choosing to kneel during the national anthem. While I do not agree with Kaepernick’s actions during the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason games, I respect the fact that he is guaranteed the freedom of speech by the Constitution and may display that privilege in any way he sees fit, such as sitting or kneeling during the national anthem, even if it upsets other people.

Whether or not you agree with DePaul or Kaepernick’s respective actions, freedom of speech is something that must be fought for and continued to be upheld by all people of the United States and the United States government. The concept of the freedom of speech sets us apart as a nation — it shows the respect we have for the individuality of our people and it shows the pride we have in our nation. Regardless of if a person’s beliefs are different from your own, continue to fight for the freedom of speech. If we lose this freedom, we lose a part of our identity as the great nation that we are as the United States of America.