Charles Levendosky

About the author: Charles Levendosky is the editorial page editor for the Star-Tribune in Casper, Wyoming.

The First Amendment is the foundation of American liberty. The United States cannot consider itself an open and democratic government if its citizens are not free to read or write what they wish, even if that speech is deliberately offensive or criticizes oppressive laws and government policies. However, with rulings in the past two decades narrowing the free speech rights of students, people who value free speech and political dissent must be willing to fight for the First Amendment in the courts.

Our nation has the noblest and strongest free speech tradition in the world. This tradition has been the very foundation of our liberty. It would be good to remember that fact—as communities around America wrestle with...