New advertising campaign promotes the First Amendment

by: The Associated Press

Posted: Jun 27, 2020 / 08:23 AM EDT / Updated: Jun 27, 2020 / 08:27 AM EDT

This campaign ad photo provided by the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University shows country legend Loretta Lynn, one of among nearly two dozen Nashville artists, authors and athletes participating in a new “1 for All Campaign for the First Amendment,” with the Free Speech Center at MTSU. (David McClister/Loretta Lynn Enterprises/Courtesy of MTSU Free Speech Center via AP)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A third of Americans cannot name even one of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, according to Ken Paulson.

The director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University aims to change that with a new advertising campaign.

No one has ever “effectively marketed the First Amendment,” Paulson said. “Only 10% recognize the freedom of assembly. In the last few weeks, that’s been so important.”

The new ads feature artists, authors and athletes discussing the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment — free speech, a free press, religious freedom, the freedom to peaceably assemble and the freedom to petition the government. The ads are being distributed by newspapers and media organizations around the country. They direct the public to the 1 for All website, where they can learn more about how to protect their freedoms.

The campaign is kicking off with Nashville-based figures like musicians Loretta Lynn and Kane Brown, Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton and bestselling author Ann Patchett. More artists, athletes and entertainers will be added over time. The campaign is slated to continue indefinitely, Paulson said.