We will not discuss current politics or political opinions in this class. While we will discuss the concept of religion generally, we will not discuss or even mention any one specific religion or set of religious beliefs, instead referring to these generally as “religious beliefs” (for the Free Exercise clause) or “an established religion” (for the Establishment clause). We will discuss the right to protest the government and to demand that the government change things, although no specific current events or politics will be discussed. Instead, the following hypothetical issue will be used: I will ask the learners what they would do if they felt their city or town needed a new athletics field. What could they do in order to make their voices heard? We will use this example as we discuss free speech, free press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government with this specific demand.

My own beliefs and opinions will not be discussed at all in this class. We will focus on the language of the First Amendment, and how it has been interpreted over time by the United States Supreme Court. Any questions from learners that raise political issues or discussions will be gently redirected to the hypothetical situation regarding a new athletics field that is mentioned above. Any questions from learners regarding the subject matter can be asked orally, or can be asked in the chat, but I will answer questions orally for the benefit of the entire class.