Freedom, equality, independence and righteousness are common terms associated with the beautiful country of America. Many immigrants and foreigners have embarked on the journey to reach the beautiful valleys and gardens of a country built on values ​​such as unity and individualism. The Statue of Liberty, alone, is the universal symbol of freedom that stands in the heart of New York and welcomes thousands of immigrants each year; embodying hope and opportunity for those seeking a better life in America. This fuels the desire for freedom in people around the world; Muslims in Burma who are threatened with extortion, women in Egypt who do not have the opportunity to express themselves or people in South Africa who struggle to survive because of the rivalries that ensue. The United States alone provides a refuge for millions of people around the world who are subject to tyranny or despotism. If America is a place where we have the opportunity and freedom to exercise our own rights, then why should our institutions prohibit such an important emblem as free speech? Such an intrinsically important quality that shapes the thoughts and personality of our own students; the future of America. If our students are subject to fear like the rest of the world, then how is America different from the oppressors and evildoers? How will our nation's colleges and universities fuel the curiosity of future healers and entrepreneurs without letting them question the status quo and think freely? Throughout all our years at school, we as students have learned to ask questions and expand our thinking. There is no such thing as stupid questions and we have grasped the idea of ​​self-expression. Students, being adolescents, are the most unstable and emotional human subspecies and in the end...... middle of paper ...... students had to respect the First Amendment of the Constitution , they would discover the different locations and tones that accompany each voice. Instead, some colleges ban what students say or wear. We are no longer in the era of McCarthyism where all aspects of society must be censored. Donna Shalala, owner of a Presidential Medal of Freedom, once said, “There can be no university without freedom of speech, even though sometimes it makes us terribly uncomfortable.” If students don't want to hear controversial ideas on college campuses, they "I'm not going to hear them in America. I believe it's part of their education." I agree with Ms. Shalala, America is a country built on strong principles like individualism. Freedom of expression constitutes individualism. Freedom of expression is a right; it is not a privilege and colleges have no right to restrict the power of thought.