Free speech is local news — it’s time for us to speak up

Manuel Sanchez, 42, of Fontana, at a recent No Kings protest in Claremont. There are many ways to be heard about issues impacting us locally. That's what free speech is all about. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

by Peter Weinberger

When we talk about free speech and the First Amendment, it’s easy to think of them as national issues — battles fought in Washington or on cable news. But the truth is, the fight for free speech happens right here, in Claremont, every single day. That’s why we say free speech is local news.

You might wonder: What does this have to do with Claremont?

The answer? Everything.

Here in Claremont, the First Amendment protects your right to speak up at City Council or school board meetings, to attend peaceful protests along Foothill Boulevard, or write a letter to the Courier expressing your views without fear of retaliation. It ensures that public records remain public and that government meetings and decisions happen transparently. It allows community members to ask hard questions about local policing, development, education, and equity.

When national leaders attack the press or label journalists as enemies, it becomes easier for local officials to dodge accountability. When “fake news” becomes a casual slur, it erodes trust in fact-based reporting, even at the local level. Residents and businesses may become hesitant to speak up, worried they will be labeled or ignored, hurting their standing in Claremont.

And when people stop speaking up, communities lose their vitality and their power.

At the Claremont Courier, we take our role in protecting the First Amendment seriously. If you come to us with a community concern, we check it out. A reporter attends city meetings so you don’t have to, and we ask questions you might be hesitant to ask. We provide space for your voices in our letters pages, publish your opinions, and report on your concerns with accuracy and respect. We believe a strong community is one where people are informed and feel safe to speak up.

What can you do?

Defending the First Amendment is not something we can do alone. It takes all of us, together, to protect these rights in Claremont.

That means showing up to meetings and asking questions, even when it’s uncomfortable. It means standing up for neighbors when their voices are dismissed. It means supporting fact-based journalism by subscribing, donating, or sharing stories that matter. The Courier may have limited resources, but we want to hear from you about what’s going on locally. Courier editor Mick Rhodes is an experienced editor, and he wants to know what you see and hear. Just email him at editor@claremont-courier.com.

Free speech also protects voices we disagree with. It requires us to listen and engage with one another in good faith. And it comes with the responsibility to seek the truth. These are important messages for our children.

Free speech isn’t guaranteed by the Constitution alone. It is guaranteed by people who exercise it and defend it.

When journalists are threatened, when protesters are silenced, when facts are dismissed, and when people are afraid to speak, free speech erodes, inch by inch. But when people read, question, speak, and listen, free speech grows stronger.

The Courier is committed to informing, connecting, and empowering Claremont to protect the First Amendment, even when it takes courage. Expect more conversations and story coverage on these issues in the months ahead, and we invite you to join us. Please take part in our first poll post on the claremont-courier.com homepage, or use this link to vote: https://poll.fm/15766046.

Because free speech starts here, in Claremont, with all of us.

How does the Claremont Courier support free speech?

Local news protects your right to know

At the Courier, we report the facts about local government, schools, and community decisions that impact your life — upholding the First Amendment by ensuring information stays public.

The Courier is a safe place for your voice

We provide a forum for the public to share opinions.

We combat misinformation

Misinformation focuses on confusion and mistrust. The Courier provides fact-based reporting so you can make informed decisions and advocate confidently for your beliefs.

We connect neighbors around shared concerns

Free speech isn’t just a national issue — it’s local. By covering stories that affect Claremont, we help neighbors understand how issues of censorship and transparency impact our community.

We hold power accountable

We attend City Council and school board meetings so you don’t have to, asking hard questions, protecting your right to know what your leaders are doing.

We encourage civic and community engagement

When you are informed, you are empowered. We let you know when meetings happen, when votes matter, and how to get involved to protect your rights. Supporting local engagement has an impact on the public’s support of nonprofits.

We stand firm on our mission

The Courier stands firm in our mission to inform the community with honesty and integrity.

We preserve our community’s story

Local journalism documents Claremont’s challenges and triumphs, ensuring your voice and our collective story are not forgotten. We work with others like Claremont Heritage to preserve city history.

• Have an ideas, thoughts or comments? Just email me at: pweinberger@claremont-courier.com

0 Comments

Submit a Comment



Share This