The Constitution does not always protect free-speech rights for what public employees say on the job. Which of the following is true?
A) When a citizen enters government service, the citizen need not accept certain limitations on his or her freedom.
B) Public employees may speak out on matters of public concern and have First Amendment protection but not when they speak out in the course of their official duties.
C) As public employees speak out and receive First Amendment protection, there is an acceptable chilling of the speech of all potential whistleblowers.
D) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is the correct option because public employees do have First Amendment protection when they speak out on matters of public concern, but not when they speak out in the course of their official duties. The Supreme Court has held that restricting speech in this context is necessary to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. Option A is incorrect because when individuals take public employment, they enter into a contractual relationship that comes with certain limitations, including restrictions on their freedom of speech. Option C is incorrect because protecting the speech of public employees on matters of public concern does not necessarily chill the speech of other potential whistleblowers.

The Constitution Does Not Always Protect Free-Speech Rights for What