The right to free speech has been embedded in the fabric of our nation ever since it was written into our Constitution 200+ years ago in the form of the First Amendment. For journalists, the amendment grants the power to publish content without the threat of censorship. For citizens, it protects the right to freely interact and engage with controversial topics.
But somehow we always find ourselves in situations wherein freedom of speech is highly contested. On Monday, Tufts University’s student newspaper, The Tufts Daily, published an op-ed piece criticizing former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, who serves on the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy’s advisory board, arguing he was unfit for the position. And the Mooch took action. Scaramucci, a Tufts alumnus who has made generous donations to the school in past years, said the statements were “defamatory” and demanded an apology from the student publication.
However, what Scaramucci and his attorney seemed to neglect was that the opinions of the columnist did not reflect the views of the entire newspaper. Opinion columns are a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives, independent of the views of the paper. Targeting the whole paper was a wholly unwarranted action by Scaramucci. In fact, his actions were almost reminiscent of Trump.
Indeed Scaramucci’s mannerisms, particularly in this case, subscribe to the “fake news” ploy used by Trump and his cabinet members — even his former ones. Trump’s advisers immediately redirect any and all forms of public criticism by claiming the media is manipulating facts to appeal to its liberal agenda. Trump’s tweet Saturday calling for a show-down between news outlets to determine which has the most “dishonest” coverage of the president is clear evidence of his anti-media agenda.
However, those strategies used by the Trump administration, which Scaramucci used this week, distracted from the op-ed’s goal. The article sparked a conversation about freedom of speech, rather than drawing scrutiny of Scaramucci’s position on Fletcher’s advisory board. Although Scaramucci was fired from the Trump administration, the Trump-like tactics he used this week illuminated a deeper problem in the United States, one that sensationalizes democracy and individual rights over a more fundamental issue — unqualified and disgraceful individuals holding positions of power, specifically in an academic setting.
Scaramucci certainly made a name for himself during his 10 days in office this summer. His infamous interview with New Yorker reporter Ryan Lizza, in which he insulted several cabinet members, was the last straw in his termination. Scaramucci’s deplorable and inflammatory attitude coupled with his vulgar tone forced Trump’s hand on letting go of his hand-picked communications director. By not only suing a newspaper, but specifically suing a college paper, Scaramucci showed his true character. His reaction to the op-ed provided even more grounding for the piece which called him an “irresponsible, inconsistent [and] an unethical opportunist.” An online petition calling for his removal from the advisory board gained traction this month with more than 240 signatures, a form of democracy Scaramucci has interestingly entertained, saying that the petition, unlike the article, should be protected by free speech.
The ACLU of Massachusetts has shown solidarity with the Daily, and will be advising op-ed columnist Camilo Caballero, in dealing with Scaramucci’s threats. Further, the ACLU called the letter “plainly mean-spirited” in nature. Political figures like Scaramucci should be called out for their unethical actions, just like this op-ed did.
And while Trump and his loyal band of political followers will continue to attack the media and other news platforms, such incidents only result in these outlets receiving more attention, to the administration’s chagrin. In an ironic turn of events, attacks on the media that undermine its value perpetuate the need for a medium to express differing views and strengthen the values of free speech and democracy.
After this scandal, the Tufts newspaper has surely seen an increase in readership, especially for this op-ed. The newspaper started conversation and provided momentum for the public to respond. Scaramucci has done far more good in his attacks — reminding student journalists of their constitutional right to let their voices be heard.
