From the spray-painted walls of the Free Expression Tunnel to the chalk-covered grounds of the Brickyard, NC State encourages students to express their opinions and use their voice. Whether it’s student government, clubs, extracurricular activities, individuals with a common goal gathering to protest a cause or student media, the University cultivates a space where students can speak their mind with respect and mutuality. But how much freedom do students really get? Justine Hollingshead, assistant vice chancellor of academic and student affairs, said even if groups do not obtain a reservation, as long as they are not blocking entrances or taking the spot of another group that has a reservation, they are free to proceed with their protest. Under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the University cannot censor, prohibit or punish protected speech — “even if it’s biased, rude, mean, hateful, offensive, bigoted, wrong, immoral or deeply distressing.” The University provide...