Conservative Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito delivered a commencement address at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, warning that support for freedom of speech is declining dangerously, especially on college campuses. He referenced unrest at college campuses arising from protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza, noting that very few colleges protect the exchange of ideas as they should. Alito, who has frequently raised concerns about freedom of religion being under attack, urged graduating students to stand firm in the face of pressure to endorse ideas they don’t believe in or abandon core beliefs.
While Alito supports free speech, his views have limits. In 2011, he was the sole dissenter in a Supreme Court ruling that the conservative Westboro Baptist Church had a free speech right to picket the funeral of a military veteran, arguing that such behavior constituted a “vicious verbal assault.” The Supreme Court is expected to issue major rulings on abortion, gun rights, and former President Donald Trump’s immunity from prosecution for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Alito, who authored a ruling overturning the abortion rights landmark Roe v. Wade in 2022, is one of several justices making public appearances as the court prepares its decisions.
Alito’s concerns about freedom of speech and religion come at a time when conservative justices are facing criticism and accusations of ethical violations. Fellow conservative Justice Clarence Thomas recently decried the “nastiness and lies” he has faced, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh commented on how unpopular Supreme Court rulings can later become accepted as part of American constitutional law. Alito’s address to the graduating students at a Catholic college in Ohio highlighted the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs and resisting pressures to conform to ideas that go against one’s convictions.
Alito’s warnings about declining support for freedom of speech and religion on college campuses reflect broader concerns about the state of civil discourse in society. He stressed the need for individuals to uphold their core beliefs and not succumb to pressures to endorse ideas they disagree with. As the Supreme Court prepares to issue significant rulings on contentious issues, including abortion and gun rights, Alito’s comments underscore the importance of protecting fundamental principles of free speech and religion. Despite facing criticism and ethical accusations, conservative justices like Alito, Thomas, and Kavanaugh continue to advocate for upholding these principles amid ongoing challenges to civil liberties.
The upcoming Supreme Court rulings on abortion, gun rights, and other contentious issues highlight the importance of defending fundamental rights and freedoms in a changing social and political landscape. Alito’s address at a Catholic college in Ohio emphasized the need to protect freedom of speech and religion, despite concerns about declining support for these principles. As conservative justices face criticism and scrutiny, they remain committed to upholding these core values and defending civil liberties in a society where these principles are increasingly under attack. Alito’s speech serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle to safeguard free speech and religious freedom in an increasingly polarized and contentious environment.
