When a Student Voice Echoed on Capitol Hill: Defending Free Speech and Religious Freedom
In this post, Jackson Eimer shares his experience giving opening remarks at a Capitol Hill forum on balancing Free Speech and Religious Freedom. He reflects on the challenges his generation faces in protecting these rights in the digital age and the need for solutions that respect both open expression and diverse beliefs.
On October 17th I had the privilege and honor of presenting the opening remarks for a forum that First Amendment Voice put together on Capitol Hill. This was an incredibly personal moment for me, as it gave me the ability to speak directly on the issues that were most important to me, to the people who needed to hear it the most. The experience was freighting, nerve-racking, and required a lot of energy–but it was the most rewarding experience that I have had during my time here. I am incredibly thankful for this incredible opportunity I had for growth through the IIW program, and even more thankful that I get to share some of those same words with you today. I have included below the speech that I, a young college student, was empowered to give through my internship and time with the IIW program.
“It’s an honor to stand before you today as a young leader and college student, representing a generation deeply invested in the principles of freedom and justice that form the bedrock of our society. I want to welcome you all to this important forum, brought together by the First Amendment Voice Alliance, where we will explore one of the most pressing issues of our time: the intersection between Religious Freedom and Free Speech.
As a student, I witness daily how these two fundamental rights influence not just academic life, but society as a whole. Whether in the classroom, on social media, or even in casual conversations, the balance between expressing our beliefs and respecting the diverse convictions of others is increasingly being tested.
Today, we’re here to engage in a conversation that is not only legal and political, but deeply personal. How do we ensure that both Religious Freedom and Free Speech thrive in harmony as individuals and as a society? How do we protect these rights in a world that’s constantly evolving, especially with the rise of digital platforms and shifting social norms?
My generation sees firsthand how the digital age has transformed how we communicate. Free speech today doesn’t just happen in classrooms or public squares—it happens on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. However, with this increase in the accessibility of expression comes greater complexity in managing it. With fear and misinformation spreading faster than truth and reason, it has become increasingly more difficult to have these important conversations.
We need to ask: Are these platforms helping or hurting our ability to protect both Free Speech and Religious Freedom? How do we strike a balance between allowing free expression and safeguarding the right to hold and practice diverse religious beliefs without fear of persecution or censorship?
That’s why today’s conversation is so vital. Our society is more diverse than ever before, which means we need solutions that don’t just protect one right at the expense of the other but foster a coexistence where both can thrive. Today, we’ll also be addressing the contemporary challenges that make this balancing act more difficult. For example, we’re seeing more cases where free speech clashes with religious convictions, particularly in the public sphere and on college campuses. And we have to ask ourselves: How do we navigate these conflicts in a way that ensures both rights are respected?
As young leaders, we are already seeking ways to ensure we responsibly guide society through these challenges for our generation and the future. So, this discussion we are having today is not only relevant, but necessary.
In addition to understanding the challenges, it’s crucial that we focus on solutions. How can we create frameworks that allow Religious Freedom and Free Speech to coexist in harmony? How can we, as emerging leaders, contribute to building a society where different beliefs and expressions are not just tolerated but respected and celebrated?
I believe that my generation has a unique responsibility to carry forward the legacy of the First Amendment—to protect both Free Speech and Religious Freedom with equal enthusiasm. The conversations we have today will help shape the society we inherit tomorrow. So, I encourage you all to listen deeply, ask questions, and engage in this critical dialogue. It’s only through these conversations that we can move toward a future where all voices are heard, and all beliefs are respected.
I want to thank you all for being here, and I look forward to the rich and insightful discussions that will take place today. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow as champions of freedom.
Thank you.”
