"We're not charging him because he was reacting to what he perceived as a potential threat to someone that he is in charge of protecting, so to speak," Ellis said.
Over time, the first amendment, which has traditionally protected the right to speak anonymously, has been expanded to cover a variety of "expressive conduct", which may or may not have direct political significance.
But Ruth Simmons strengthened Christine Lagarde's voice on Sunday by reminding the audience of parents (me included), students and faculty, with clarity and passion, that we must speak, and protect our right to speak, and just as importantly protect the right of those who disagree with us to speak, so we can move forward to a world of learning and equality of opportunity.
It is the industry's desire to protect its right to speak the "truth" under the protection of the First Amendment that I find so ironic.
But governments must protect citizens' rights to speak freely — anonymously when necessary.
The First Amendment protects the right to speak -- and sometimes the right not to speak.
"There are a few students that are very angry at her," she said, "but there are many others who try to protect her, try to speak for her.
Working people want leaders who will protect their freedom to speak up on the job – not demagogues like Walker who will do and say anything to get ahead".
"We will defend ourselves by any means necessary, and if the police in Sacramento do not protect our right to speak, we will do it ourselves".
Tens of thousands signed petitions or came to meetings to defend science writers such as Simon Singh and Pete Wilmshurst, who had risked their life savings to protect the right to speak out against alternative therapists and pharmaceutical conglomerates.
