America has long been recognized as the supreme sanctuary of the individual. What other country has a long piece of parchment paper dedicated to the free independence of its citizens? The Constitution is the most precious feature of the United States. The only country to formally recognize that all men are equal has taken steps to ensure that all men are treated as equal. Probably the most important right affirmed by the pen of the Founding Fathers is the right to free speech. American citizens have the opportunity to express their beliefs and ideals when and how they choose. A person, company, or institution that violates free speech is often publicly denounced as unpatriotic and undemocratic. Violations of the Constitution can also lead to imprisonment. It seems that some higher education institutions have forgotten the consequences of violating individuals' rights. Students and teachers were denied the opportunity to communicate freely. Universities exist to provide an environment for further education and self-discovery. Limiting the information available hinders minds and opinions. Limiting access to the First Amendment right to free speech destroys any possibility of diversity and further development of the mind. These two elements are crucial to the functioning of any college or university. College is not only a time of self-discovery, but a time to develop a greater awareness of the world. “Higher education” means being exposed to a wide variety of belief systems, cultures, knowledge, and people. Diversity is an essential component of producing educated graduates. If everyone thought the same thing, society wouldn't have the light bulb, the iPhone, or the wheel. Some universities, however, eschew multiplicity in favor of control. ...... half of the card ...... entirely. Fear, paranoia and ignorance have become pandemics. When the rights of the individual are impaired, the human being is degraded to an inferior status. Banning or hindering free speech paves the way for the same kind of degradation. Where students are promised freedom and enlightenment, they are met with chains and regulation. What does constitutional law mean? Yes, that's some fancy words scribbled on a ragged piece of paper. But that's not the point. The American Constitution sets us apart. We are different because of that ragged piece of paper. And being different, being extraordinary does not mean settling for ignorance. Extraordinary means shouting out to the world our thoughts, feelings, accomplishments, hopes, fears, doubts and desires. What better place to transform into a real expressive noise than a university: the place where you go to find yourself.