SPJ Florida Partners with ‘Free Speech Week’

In celebration of Free Speech Week (Oct. 21 – 27) SPJ Florida is partnering with the week’s founding organization of the same name, Free Speech Week.

“Freedom of speech and along with it, freedom of the press, are cornerstones of American democracy and we’re proud to celebrate Free Speech Week by partnering with FSW,” said Jason Parsley, president of SPJ Florida. “Years ago SPJ Florida first hosted the now nationally known event, the First Amendment Free Food Festival, which shows our commitment to educating not only journalists, but the public at large, on issues of the First Amendment and freedom of speech.”

FSW is asking its partners and those interested to help spread the word via social media, including Twitter and Facebook, using the hashtag #FreedomSpeaks.

According to FSW’s mission statement: “The goal of FSW is to raise public awareness of the importance of free speech in our democracy.” The organization also claims to be “the country’s premier event celebrating free speech and a free press.”

As a part of the week, SPJ Florida is co-sponsoring a First Amendment Free Food Festival with its local student chapter SPJ-FIU, taking place from noon to 2 p.m. October 23 on FIU’s campus.

“SPJ-FIU is excited to host a First Amendment Free Food Festival this semester,” said Brittny Valdes, the SPJ-FIU president. “It is easy to forget and take our freedoms for granted. This is great opportunity to remember and remind students the important role journalism plays in a free society.”

The Media Institute and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation initially created National Free Speech Week in 2005. The name was later shortened to Free Speech Week and an independent organization with the same name was formed.

Follow FSW on Twitter and Facebook. Visit www.FreeSpeechWeek.org for more information. Click here to learn more about the First Amendment Free Food Festival and how to host your own.