Free Speech in the USA: Does it Exist for High Profile Black Government (and/or Semi-Government) Employees any More?

By Syreeta L. McNeal, CPA, JD

"Lord mercy Jesus, what is going on?" (Tribute to Cadillac Kimberly in her vlog on Bishop Eddie Long.) Is it just me or are a majority of our high profile black employees not allowed to exercise their first amendment right to free speech when they express their opinions in a public forum while they are employed by the government (e.g. Shirley Sherrod) or their employer receives government contributions (e.g. Juan Williams)? Why are the USDA and NPR so quick to terminate these employees, without allowing them the opportunity to explain their side of the story, when they express a different opinion that they should be able to exercise? I've listed the relevant law and videos for you to decide. I would love to hear your feedback on this matter.

I. Law

U.S. Constitution, Amendment I states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV, Section 1 states "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of laws."

II. Juan Williams firing from NPR (see video)



III. Shirley Sherrod firing from USDA (see video)