In the United States (U.S.), the First Amendment guarantees your freedom of speech. This means that the government cannot arrest or prosecute you for expressing your views. However, this protection does not fully apply to private individuals or organizations. Employers, sponsors and members of the public are free to respond to your speech, which may result in job loss, loss of sponsorship or public disapproval. Recent events related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have demonstrated that free speech can have major effects on individuals who speak up, even if it does not violate any laws.
In February 2025, Gannett, one of the largest media firms in the U.S., fired Tony Doris, The Palm Beach Post’s editorial page editor. Doris had run a political cartoon by Jeff Danziger depicting Israeli soldiers rescuing a captive while stepping over bodies marked “more than 40,000 Palestinians dead.” The cartoon symbolized criticism of how the rescue of a hostage was being celebrated while the immense loss of Palestinian lives was being overlooked or minimized. Local Jewish groups strongly criticized the cartoon, calling it antisemitic.
Doris, who is Jewish, clarified that the caricature was intended to attack the war, not the Jewish people. However, the tremendous criticism that followed resulted in his suspension and eventual termination. Some may argue that this was an unfair judgment, but whether it was fair or not is not the key point. The crucial thing to remember is that people should not be surprised when they face consequences for their words, even if their speech is protected under the Constitution.
In the U.S., I have the right to speak freely because of the First Amendment. That means the government can’t arrest or punish me just for saying what I believe. However, I’ve learned that this protection doesn’t mean there are no consequences. While the government can’t silence me, those who are private employers, sponsors or even within the general public can still respond in ways that affect my life. I could lose my job, lose support or face strong criticism for what I say.
This dynamic can unintentionally silence some voices, especially those who hold unpopular or critical political views. People who are afraid of backlash, professional penalties or social ostracization may self-censor, even if they have something significant or meaningful to contribute to the discourse.
Nonetheless, Doris, as an editor, exercised his freedom of speech and freedom of the press when he published a political cartoon that was critical of the war. While many found the cartoon upsetting, his expression was a part of an important political discussion and should be protected. His termination raises concerns about whether private companies respect freedom of the press and the limits of acceptable response to “controversial” ideas.
This particular instance demonstrates how expressing contentious thoughts, even in a professional arena such as journalism, can have major implications. In today’s society, where individuals are alert to political and social issues, freedom of speech does not always imply freedom from criticism or professional consequences.
Another high-profile example is Kanye West, known as Ye. In late 2024 and early 2025, he made multiple anti-Semitic statements in interviews and on social media. In one case, he stated that he would go “death con 3 on Jewish people,” a menacing and disrespectful phrase encouraging hatred.
In response to his social media comments, major brands such as Adidas and Balenciaga have dissolved their relationships with him. Kanye West’s major partnerships with Adidas included his hugely successful Yeezy sneaker and apparel line, as well as creative collaborations and appearances with the fashion brand Balenciaga. His social media accounts were likewise erased or restricted. Fans, media outlets and civil rights organizations condemned his actions. While Ye maintained that his opinions were protected by his right to free speech, the public and corporate worlds used their own rights to disassociate themselves.
Although his statement was legally allowed under the First Amendment, it was universally condemned as hate speech, which promotes prejudice or violence against others. Kanye West’s offensive words should have resulted in even worse consequences. When someone with such a large platform communicates dangerous and insulting beliefs, it can fuel discrimination and deepen societal divisions.
Free speech is crucial, but it does not protect speech that incites hatred or endangers the safety and dignity of others. Free speech is different from hate speech. Doris’s cartoon was meant to show a harsh truth about a war still happening. It was an opinion, even if it upset people. But Kanye West’s statements were hateful and spread harmful ideas. Hate speech like that can cause real harm and should not be protected in the same way.
Society stood up to his hate speech by condemning his words and revoking his commercial partnerships. This distinction is critical for understanding how free speech works in practice and why not all speech is treated equally by the law or in public opinion.
If Kanye West suffers from personality disorders or other mental health difficulties, he should receive the appropriate education and medical attention he needs. Addressing these issues may help prevent destructive conduct in the future and promote his well-being while also holding him accountable for his actions.
However, the focus isn’t about who is right or wrong in this situation, though there is an answer. These examples show that freedom of speech protects you from the government, but not from real-life consequences. Saying something controversial, even if you feel it to be true or fair, can cost you your job, reputation or audience. This is not a violation of your rights but rather a normal component of how a free society operates.
Talking about the suffering caused by a war is very different from spreading hate. When people criticize a government’s actions, it should not be confused with racism or antisemitism. Still, sometimes people may misunderstand what you are trying to say, and their reactions can affect your future in ways you might not expect.
Many students have used their First Amendment rights to speak up about important issues, but these rights have been threatened more and more, especially under the second Trump administration. This makes it even more important to distinguish freedom of speech from hate speech. We need to protect honest and fair expression, but hateful rhetoric that causes harm should not be allowed under the name of free speech.
