In 1955. Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, refused to give up her seat in the front of a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, to a white man.She was sitting in an area of the bus designated forwhite people only.She was violating a law by doing so and was arrested.She lost her job but was eventually vindicated as such "Jim Crow" laws were overthrown as being unconstitutional.Ms. Parks was protesting unfair treatment of people by the law.Today, she is considered a hero.

Recently, students gathered on our campus to protest the death of former SCC student Stephon Clark.A rally was held in the quad and then students marched through many of the buildings on campus.They chanted and carried signs during their march.This protest was met with concern by many of the staff and faculty of the college.

What does the First Amendment guarantee regarding freedom of speech and assembly? What concerns should protesters have for others not involved in the protest?Should a protester be concerned with how uncomfortable one might be with their message?