Debates about limiting students of their First Amendment rights have become increasingly common. I believe by placing limits on First Amendments rights on campus would cause more harm than good.
The First Amendment prohibits Congress from restricting five “key freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.” This is our right to express public opinions without government interference, according to Congress.Gov.
In the United States, Barnard College was ranked the worst for having a free speech climate in the nation, according to 2026 free speech rankings.
Harvard University also has a low ranking for free speech with hardly any support of the first amendment on campus, indicating a hostile environment for free speech. This comes from having little administrative support and a low level of comfort for student expression, according to Fire.org.
A 2025 Harvard Kennedy article suggests free speech should be safeguarded as a human civil right. It is a part of our democracy, and is essential for personal growth.
If campus’s placed limits on the right to free speech it would only cause a learning barrier for students.
“This will only harm students ability to think critically, and create rifts between them,” said Fire President CEO Greg Lukianoff.
Palomar is a public institution, which bounds us to uphold these rights. Colleges are not meant to shield students from ideas they disagree with, but to expose them to different perspectives.
A major reason we should not limit free speech on campus is that college is supposed to be a marketplace of ideas. Students come from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Open discussion and expression creates opportunities for critical thinking and developing informed opinions.
An article in Academe Magazine suggests while not all students will be in favor of free speech, there has been a decline in students viewing free speech as a civil right. Students with liberal views may argue that failing to put limits on free speech may lead to physical violence, which in some cases has occurred.
In 2025 students at Barnard College in New York City led a violent protest which led to a college employee being assaulted, according to the American Legislative Exchange Council. Although I support our right to the First Amendment, I do not support violence or hate crimes, and students committing such acts should be held accountable for those actions.
This concern is valid, no student should feel targeted, threatened or unsafe on campus. However, limiting speech is not the only way to address the issue. By promoting respectful dialogue we can take a strong stance against hate speech.
Many community colleges in California offer designated free speech zones. Free speech zones are effective in that they prevent class disruptions and allow students to express themselves freely in a respectful safe environment.
Palomar’s Free Speech zone on the San Marcos Campus, is located in front of the Student Union in the concrete quad grass area, which is in front of the dome and clock tower.
Implementing these important and necessary limits maintain safety on campus. Protecting free speech is not about allowing harm, it is about allowing students to be able to express themselves freely and preserve the opportunity to think critically.
We should stand firmly against hate speech while defending the freedoms that make open dialogue possible.