Freedom to Speak, Freedom to Harm?
We hear it all the time: “It’s my free speech!” The First Amendment is one of America’s most cherished rights, protecting people from government censorship. But lately, a new question keeps surfacing: what happens when hateful rhetoric spills out of the shadows and onto the public platforms of those who are trusted with our children?
When a teacher, doctor, counselor, coach, or medical staff member publicly celebrates the death of a human being, mocks people with disabilities, or spreads venom rooted in hate, is that “free speech”? Or is it something else… something that endangers trust, divides communities, and puts children in harm’s way?
Defining the Difference- hate speech vs freedom of speech
Let’s get the definitions straight:
- Freedom of Speech protects individuals from being silenced or punished by the government for expressing their views.
- Hate Speech is language that demeans, threatens, or targets people based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Here’s the crucial distinction: while the government may not censor hate speech, employers and communities are not required to tolerate it.
And in some cases, when hateful speech crosses into threats of violence, harassment, or incitement, it may no longer be “just speech”, it becomes a hate crime under U.S. law.
That means words aren’t always harmless. They can escalate into criminal acts. Employers, schools, and communities have a duty to step in long before that line is crossed.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.
Why This Distinction Matters for Children
Children are impressionable. They learn not only from what adults teach in classrooms, clinics, or on the field/court but also from the behavior they observe outside of them.
When a child sees their teacher’s name attached to cruel or hateful rhetoric online (or unfortunately in the classroom), it sends a dangerous message: this is acceptable behavior. It erodes trust in authority figures and normalizes division.
And let’s be clear: children deserve better. They deserve to learn, heal, and grow under the guidance of adults who model respect, integrity, and compassion.
Professionals who work with kids carry a sacred responsibility. Hateful speech, even “off the clock”, undermines that responsibility.
Professional Standards Aren’t Optional
The truth is, most professionals already agree to these standards. Contracts and codes of conduct for teachers, doctors, medical staff, coaches, and counselors often include clauses requiring that they represent their employers well, both in person and online.
This isn’t censorship 👉🏽 it’s accountability. When someone violates those standards by spreading hate, their employer has every right, and every responsibility, to take action. Because at the end of the day, no good parent wants their child shaped by someone who glorifies hate.
Consequences Are Not Censorship
Let’s be clear: no one is saying people can’t speak. But what people say reveals who they are. And when their words show hatred, employers, parents, and communities are justified in questioning their role.
Celebrating the death of another human being isn’t just an opinion. It’s cruelty. It’s dehumanization. It’s the very culture of hate that desensitizes society and endangers the vulnerable.
The First Amendment protects someone from going to jail for their speech. It doesn’t protect them from losing the privilege of shaping children’s futures.
Taking a Stand: Hate Speech Has Consequences
At TheBoldAdvocate, we refuse to stand by while hate is normalized. That’s why we’ve partnered with Olivia Krolczyk to launch a reporting initiative.
📌 Here’s how it works:
If you come across public hate speech posted by professionals who work with children: teachers, doctors, counselors, coaches, medical staff — you can now submit it directly through our Take Action Against Hate Speech page.
We review submissions carefully. When warranted, we send documentation to employers so they are aware of how their staff are representing their institution and influencing the next generation.
Accountability Is Love in Action
Accountability isn’t about silencing. It’s about protecting. It’s about refusing to let hate speech go unchecked in spaces where children deserve safety.
We’re not here to debate people’s right to post online. We’re here to defend children’s right to safe mentors, teachers, coaches, and caregivers who model dignity and respect.
Your Voice Matters
This is bigger than one post or one person. This is about shaping the culture our children will inherit.
- If you see hate speech from professionals who work with kids, report it. Use our tip form here.
- If you believe in this mission, share this post. Spark conversations about what freedom of speech really means.
- If you want to fuel this work, donate. Your gift helps us expose predators, equip families, and protect children across the country. Donate here.
Final Word
Hate speech vs. freedom of speech isn’t just a legal debate. It’s a moral one.
Yes, people are free to speak. But with freedom comes responsibility. And when that responsibility is abused by those entrusted with our children, consequences must follow.
Because silence in the face of hate is complicity. And we refuse to be silent.
P.S. Speaking out boldly comes at a cost. Since taking this stand, I have faced harassment, and even my husband’s life has been threatened. In light of the horrific assassination on September 10, 2025, at UVU — in broad daylight, in front of thousands of students — our hearts break with the Kirk family. We grieve this loss deeply. But we also stand firm: we will not back down from speaking truth, defending children, and living out our faith publicly. Hate may roar, but it will not silence us.
Rest in the arms of Jesus, dear brother Charlie Kirk. You will be deeply missed on this side of heaven. Yet we pray to carry the torch forward to spread the love of Christ to the next generation with unwavering conviction, anchored always in the truth of God’s Word.
