A&S Voices Weigh in on Freedom of Speech and Charlie Hebdo Attacks

In the wake of recent acts of violence, conversations and questions revolving around freedom of speech and the boundaries of satire have swept the country, including the University of Cincinnati’s campus. 

Earlier this month, 12 people were murdered in the offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris, France, including cartoonists, editors and journalists who were intent on employing their freedom, despite the controversial nature of their illustrations.    

Below A&S professors and students in the fields of journalism and political science weigh in on the important topics the act of terrorism has sparked.

• Journalism 

When asked why the attacks have resonated with so many across the country, specifically campuses and newsrooms, head of UC journalism department Jeffrey Blevins notes the presence of empathy. “I think it has generated a strong sense of solidarity because many are wondering: what if this was our newsroom? What if this happened here?” Blevins also points out the revered position freedom of speech is given in newsrooms and universities. “It is within [these] two institutions where people tend to appreciate free expression the most, and they recognize that the rights of others to freely themselves is the same as their own.” 

Associate professor of journalism Elissa Yancey acknowledges the responsibilities journalists and other media have in the aftermath of the attacks. “It's important for journalists to shine lights into all the corners of the truth about how dangerous it is when we silence people's voices.”

• International Affairs

“Campuses historically have been and should continue to be sites of robust debate,” says Rebecca Sanders, UC assistant professor of international affairs. “That doesn’t mean we should be intentionally offensive as Charlie Hebdo often was,” Sanders adds, “but that we resist censorship of divergent points of view.” Speaking on how the attacks might impact the political and cultural climate of the United States, Sanders mentions it is possible that the acts of terrorism in Paris could have several implications. “They will probably reignite a ‘war on terror’ mentality for many. This may be positive insofar as it leads to greater security awareness and vigilance, but also problematic for the protection of civil liberties and human rights,” Sanders says. “It’s important that counterterrorism efforts not undermine the very freedom they are trying to protect.”

• Student Newspaper

“It's important to consider how what we write and publish will affect everyone involved, whether it’s for the sake of homeland security or providing accurate context for a complex situation,” says Elizabeth DePompei, the editor-in-chief of The News Record, UC’s student-run newspaper. “This is especially true in an age where everyone has a very public voice via social media. The written word, or drawing or status update is a powerful tool, and we should treat it that way.”

The varied responses from a diverse range of departments, organizations and students—including an opinion piece in News Record—have shown that there is much to explore regarding human rights and the ethical dilemmas journalism faces. 

“I hope that one outcome of this tragedy is to raise awareness of the lack of press and speech freedoms around the world, including in the U.S.,” Yancey says.