Student Spotlights: Michael Belding

Abstract

<p>The First Amendment guarantees our most basic rights: free speech, freedom of religion, and the right to assemble. We, as a people, do not have to face jail time, or even death, for shouting our opinions or practicing a religion. Even though more people in today’s day and age share their thoughts anonymously on the internet, these thoughts and feelings are still enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Iowa State University, along with the Greenlee School of Journalism, recognizes the importance of this amendment, and celebrates First Amendment Day, as a part of First Amendment week, every year in April. Focusing on the free speech aspect, I sat down with Michael Belding, senior in History and Political Science and Opinion Editor for the Iowa State Daily, to talk about why Iowa State celebrates this important amendment.</p>