I like the theory of Freedom of expression of Oliver Wendell Homes wherein he said: “Persecution for the expression of opinions seems to me perfectly logical. If you have no doubt of your premises or your power and want a certain result with all your heart you naturally express your wishes in law and sweep away all opposition. To allow opposition by speech seems to indicate that you think the speech impotent, as when a man says that he has squared the circle, or that you do not care whole heartedly for the result, or that you doubt either your power or your premises. But….” Although we have the freedom to speak freely, but then without censorship or limitation. It is internationally recognized as human rights. We don’t have the right to hurt or destroy somebody’s reputation with this right, especially for the purpose of making someone as a laughing stock.

The case of the four Quezon City Science High School students, they were expelled because of what they expressed on their blog although according to the latest news, expulsion and suspension order was lifted due to the appeal of the parents to the Department of Education. Student opinions or criticisms to their principal although they have the right to expressed must not be the way it is. If they have basis for such allegation they have to bring it first to the proper forum. If they have done all these and yet nothing happens, that’s the time to do what they think will be the best to do. But only on the basis of the complaint or the wrongdoing that they felt their principal violated.

For me, the penalty that the school made to the students do not seem acceptable to me. This could be harsh for the four students. Reprimand or maybe days of suspension are over but not expulsion and closure of students’ publication.

I read a lot of blogs condemning the decision made by the principal to the four students and expressing fully on the right of the student to freedom of expression. We know how powerful blog is. That’s why it our responsibility as blogger to value this power and to put this power on a right track. We will the first to take charge and preserve this power so as not to be violated.

We are not on either side of them because we do not know what had really happened inside the school. I just want to put an emphasis here that freedom of expression will be valid if you are expressing an opinion base on facts and evidence, which is true and will be supported. But if you are just expressing what you felt you want to express and you know that you could hurt or damage someone especially since you made someone as a laughing stock, then for me we don’t have the right to have this freedom.

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