“I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Voltaire was not the only enlightened thinker to fight for the First Amendment right of freedom of speech. Our Founding Fathers deemed the sentiment as vital, who was then followed by many including, George Orwell, Mahatma Gandhi, Ja Rule and Zooey Deschanel.

Contrasting opinions have been the age-old adage that has led to more than a handful of disagreements, fights and even wars.

But who has the right to speak? Everyone.

According to a poll by Gallup, the Knight Foundation and the Newseum Institute, 73 percent of college students believe their free speech rights are “very secure or secure.”

Students at Central have led and participated in multiple protests that were not disbanded or discouraged by the university.

You, as a human protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution, have every right to say what you think. We, as people, are also afforded the same rights and justification to proclaim our differences in opinion without any repercussions.

Today’s society is too concerned with themselves and forgets to acknowledge that others are also granted the same freedoms. Everyone is always ‘triggered’ and instead of accepting the juxtaposed perspectives, individuals are trying to impose punishments for others freedom of speech retorts.

According to the academic writings in The Conversation U.S., utilizing the right to free speech enabled women and minorities to challenge already established beliefs regarding their perceived inferiority. Even unorthodox ideas should be accepted, but they are also capable of scrutiny — especially during a public protest.

The Constitution has gone to lengths to protect hate speech, unless it is direct, personal or threatening, according to lawyers.com. Hate speech is classified as derogatory language, particularly regarding demographics such as race, religion or gender towards an individual or group. This differs from free speech, which allows individuals to express their beliefs and ideas without restrictions from the government.

The accusations against newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh do not meet any of these requirements, yet the victims who came forward against him are being shamed by the public.

On the coattails of public outcry, individuals on either side of the debate have identical rights to speak their minds without fear of reprisal. Protests, on both sides of the spectrum, stimulate the pursuit of knowledge.

People who uphold conservative views on college campuses often feel like their opinions are not as valued as those who uphold liberal views. On college campuses and everywhere across the country, people should feel that their opinions matter and are heard.

Though people’s opinions are protected by the Constitution, they are not protected from backlash, protests or criticisms stemming from other individuals who are also expressing their endowed rights to free speech.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Opinions create challenges. Therefore censorship of opinions prevents society from developing further.

The question is where is the line that defines what is deemed hate speech or free speech?