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Sunday, May 17, 2026

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Florida Alligator
Opinion

What freedom of speech really means

It’s a popular pastime nowadays to rant about how the U.S. is infringing upon freedom of speech. Conservatives specifically will talk about how oppressed their freedom of speech is because they feel like they cannot express their views without people criticizing them. What a lot of people fail to realize is that freedom of speech does not mean freedom to speak without repercussion: It means that the government cannot censor or restrain you. It does not mean people can’t criticize you, that your workplace cannot find your speech or actions inappropriate or that what you say won’t be subject to negative social repercussions. You have the freedom to say what you want, without the government regulating you; other people, press, companies, celebrities and social media, however, have the freedom to react.


UF guard Kasey Hill dribbles the basketball during Florida's 77-70 loss to South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
News

Next moves for Florida’s seniors

With Sunday’s 77-70 loss to South Carolina in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, the careers of four Gators came to a close: seniors Kasey Hill, Justin Leon, Canyon Barry and Schuyler Rimmer.


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