Freedom of speech is one of the guarantees in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Unlike public universities where students use this right regularly, it seems that at Christian universities, those outside and inside the university assume that this right is forfeited upon enrollment.

The student body has recently been concerned about the direction of Chapel. Thus rhetorical word battles in the Optimist have abounded.

We are thankful that the administration does not censor these opinions but rather allows them to be printed with little to no restraint. You, as the student body have the right to voice your opinions in writing or even in a worship protest of chapel. No action was taken against you.

Students at Harding and Lipscomb very rarely clap in their Chapel service because few feel comfortable clapping in that particular setting. Our Friday Chapel crowd has occasionally been seen with Steven Moore, taking the Lord down highways and byways and letting their lights shine.

We get upset with our administration, and we bicker with them over issues, but at least they have put the issues on the table for us to discuss.

A few years ago, Royce Money apologized publically for the university’s past discrimination against African Americans and has tried to make amends for that.

Regardless of whether you are a member of the Church of Christ, a Methodist or an atheist, you are free to express your views to your peers or in any of your classes.

Although student participation in leading Chapel has decreased, ACU still has one of the highest percentages of student involvement in Chapel.

While there you are free to worship any way you please, whether you clap, raise your hands or even sing out above everyone around you. These are your rights. These are our rights.

We are blessed here to have forums where administrators agree to meet with students and hear their voices.

Your First Amendment rights, whether you choose to use them or not, are guaranteed here the same as at any other university.