Carson-Newman Political Science major Mickey Shelton II got some real life experience when he attended a post-election protest rally at UT dressed as President Trump complete with wig.

I believe students shouldnt have to have a permit from a university to exercise their right to freedom of speech, claims Shelton.

Last month, Shelton continued to explore the right to freedom of speech on campuses. He went to a press conference at the Tennessee State Capitol and spoke in favor of State Rep. Martin Daniels bill, the Tennessee Student Free Speech Protection Act.

He told his story about the five-hour UT campus protest attended by over 100 students and faculty. Trump supporters were outnumbered and police were called in after several reports of physical violence, including one involving Shelton.

In addition to the bills author, the Carson-Newman student got to hear the opinions of others including Senator Joey Hensley and political commentator Scottie Nell Hughes at the press conference.

The bill states that students enrolled in a university should be able to exercise their first amendment right. Members of the public who are not enrolled as students or employed by the institution may be required to obtain a permit.

Tennessee Students Free Speech Protection Act mainly outlines ways all state institutions of higher education can confirm their commitment to free, robust, and uninhibited debate by students whether on or off campus. It states that institutions shall include such policies in the student code of conduct that guarantees students the broadest possible latitude to speak, write and discuss any issue that presents itself on campus.

The bill continues with the statement that a state university shall not shield individuals from opinions considered unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive as long as activities do not disrupt the essential processes of the institution.

Shelton says he thinks it is a public universitys job to provide an environment where freedom of expression and thought can thrive Students can hear both sides of any issue and formulate their own educated opinions.

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