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Right to Free Speech

The issue here is not whether one agrees with or disagrees with what former Westbrook fire chief Michael Jenkins posted p[“Westbrook Fire Chief Resigns Following Social Media Controversy,” Sept. 3]. The issue is whether someone forfeits their right to free speech if they are a public official (e.g. fire chief) or a town employee.

I would say that the Board of Selectmen of Westbrook has the discretionary power to remove a fire chief for what it considers unacceptable behavior. On being a town employee, however, I do not believe someone forfeits their First Amendment rights as long as they are not speaking on behalf of the town.

Like it or not, hate speech is legally protected free speech under the First Amendment, a protection that has been upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Robert Curt

Westbrook