ºÚÁϳԹÏ

Gomez, of the Federal Communications Commission, launched the tour earlier this year to spotlight threats to First Amendment rights for all Americans.

"I've been focused on shining a light on the ways in which the FCC actions have been threatening freedom of speech and freedom of the press," she said "The First Amendment has protected our fundamental right to speak freely and to hold power to account since 1791.

"It is foundational to our democracy, and today, I am here to tell you that foundation is trembling."

Referencing the recent alongside the , Gomez painted a scene of local media outlets being bought out and erased while major corporations capitulate to pressure from the FCC and other governmental bodies.

"It is in moments like these when it is important to understand that the FCC does not have the authority, the ability or the constitutional right to police lawful content or to punish broadcasters for speech the government dislikes," she said. "And if it were to take that unprecedented step ... it would run headlong into the First Amendment and fail in court."

The role of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï and the university in civil rights and press freedom issues makes Ole Miss a poignant place to voice concerns about First Amendment protections, said Steve Herman, executive director of the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation, which hosted the event.

"Our First Amendment does need to be protected, and there's already a discussion underway about how it should be interpreted in these contentious times," he said. "There's no better place than the Ole Miss campus to have this kind of discussion.

"Even if you may disagree with another person's interpretation, it's very important to hear and discuss different points of view. The First Amendment should apply equally across the political spectrum."

More than 100 students and community members gathered in the to hear Gomez's speech. At the beginning of the event, Rear Adm. Jamie Barnett, adjunct professor in the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies, asked all journalism students in the room to stand, rousing more than a dozen from their seats.

"I'm so glad to see all of you stand up, because you are so important to our democracy," Gomez said. "It is journalists that report without fear or favor that hold power to account, and we need you."

While particularly salient to journalism students, the power and importance of the First Amendment matters to everyone, said Andrea Hickerson, dean of the .

"One of the things that really resonated with me was free speech being a bipartisan issue," she said. "This is an opportunity to show our flagship mission in how we support this kind of dialogue."

Aziza Darwish, a freshman psychology major from Olive Branch, decided to attend after she saw posters around campus about the event.

"We've become so used to seeing these events – these terrible things that keep happening – and thinking it's normal," she said. "It's not. If we keep saying 'We'll see how it goes,' things won't change."

"We know how important the First Amendment is, especially in these times. For us – Gen Z and Gen Alpha – it's important that we're informed because with social media and all these things that we have now, we're more connected than we've ever been before. That gives us strength."

Emma Scruggs, a junior public policy and leadership major from Ocean Springs, said she attended after hearing about the event in her position with the .

"I've been aware of issues surrounding the First Amendment, especially with what happened with Jimmy Kimmel," she said. "But it wasn't at the forefront of my attention. It was really interesting to get a different perspective.

"For students, having speakers like this shows you role models and someone you can strive to be. It gives you a goal you can see."

Gomez began her cross-country tour . Despite a , Gomez said she is not halting her tour.

"Now is the time for everyone to find their courage, we must continue to call out corporate capitulation for what it is: a betrayal not just a journalistic independence, but of the public trust," she said. "Free speech is key to the future of our democracy, and we must push back against any attempt to constrain it."

Top: FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez (left) and Steve Herman, executive director of the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation, take questions from the crowd during a 'fireside chat' Thursday (Oct. 2) in the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics. Photo by Ash Taylor/Local Focal LLC