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"Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. ..."

For generations, newspapers have flourished in the United States, protected by this important constitutional guarantee. Indeed, every good newspaper editor has these words on the tip of his or her tongue, ready to invoke them at a moment's notice. All Newspapers -- College newspapers, The New York Times or The Washington Post ­­ are shielded by the First Amendment. Like their professional counterparts, college editors stand ready to defend the fundamental principles embodied by in the Constitution. No one should interfere with a college paper's content; student editors must be trusted to make informed and responsible editorial decisions.

Unfortunately, for many college newspapers, challenges to their constitutional rights have become a regular part of their daily existence. As much as striving to break a major news story, editors must constantly be watching for the next threat to their constitutional rights to arise. Preparedness is key; knowing their rights is crucial. Often, there is nothing more satisfying for an editor than wrapping himself in the flag and invoking the U.S. Constitution.