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.

The first amendment, although part of a centuries-old document, remains relevant today – not just to journalists but to all citizens. College students included.

We as a journalism staff are always dealing with the first amendment rights of our own and those of the people involved in what we report on. From taking pictures to reporting or writing editorials, we are constantly exercising our rights. The first amendment  gives us the right to ask questions, capture events in photographs, and talk to important people about what’s going on around campus. On the other side of the coin, the people we interact with have every right to get involved whether in a photo or a story.

It’s good to know your rights, regardless of if you ever plan to be a journalist or interact with one. As a citizen, to be ignorant of the law doesn’t make you immune from the law. Students have the right to wear symbols of their religion in public classrooms, they can air their grievances, and stand up for their beliefs, even if it’s not the majority opinion.

However, a lot of us tend to take our first amendment rights for granted. We don’t realize how much of our daily activities are made possible because of our first amendment rights. Also, we typically don’t exercise our rights to the fullest extent. When was the last time you campaigned for a cause you believed in or protested actions that you found immoral or wrong? Apathy breeds ignorance.

As Constitution Day nears, this is a perfect time to brush up on those rights you were supposed to memorize for government class. Attend Constitution Day events and snag a free pocket constitution. This year’s Constitution Day carries an even weightier meaning than usual as our rights evolve in reaction to recent protests, debates over videotaping police, and other incidences where the line between what citizens can and can’t do. Know your rights – and use them.