In many diaries I have read references to "First Amendment Rights," with respect to freedom of expression. From the nature of the comments here and in other places, I have concluded that many Americans do not know what the First Amendment says.
"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."
It's about restricting the reach of the government, not directly about the rights of the citizen. For example, if my employer (a private university), is unhappy about things I say to the press about the university, they could use that as a negative in my yearly appraisal, or even as part of move to dismiss me. I can protest (and a court may even uphold my protest) on a variety of grounds, but not on basis of the First Amendment.
There are gray areas, perhaps the case of Colorado homeowner's association banning the peace sign. Some people in Florida, I believe, have sued a homeowners' association on Constitutional grounds claiming that the Association is acting as a quai-governmental organization.
I am in favor of free expression, I am in favor of greater democratization in workplaces and other institutions of American life. However, it is important that we, who value the Constitution, know exactly what it means.
Michael Brook