Essay contest asks students to demonstrate how freedom of speech impacts their lives

For the third annual Student Freedom of Speech Contest, Oakland University’s Center for Civic Engagement is inviting students to consider the impact this fundamental right has on their lives.   

This year’s essay question is: How has freedom of speech impacted you personally? Demonstrate its impact on your life, whether in a large or small way.

“I think as Americans we can appreciate that freedom of speech is important to democracy in an abstract sense, but I hope this framing of the contest will allow students to reflect on the tangible and immediate ways the First Amendment has shaped their experiences,” said Nicole Mathew, associate professor of political science. “I'm excited to see the diversity of responses that the contest will generate.” 

Because freedom of expression can take many forms, the contest welcomes submissions in various formats. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Essay (1,000-word maximum)
• Poem
• Video or audio recording (5 minutes maximum – include transcript)
• Drawing, painting, or some other form of artistic expression (an artist’s statement describing the artist’s process or creative intention is recommended)

Submissions are due by Saturday, Nov. 1 and must be submitted via this Google Form. Any full-time Oakland University student is eligible to participate.

The winning submission will receive a $2,000 cash prize that is supported by the Walsh/Pescovitz Annual Student Free Speech Competition endowment made possible by a generous gift from Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and Dr. Dan Walsh. 

This year’s judges are:

• Nick DiPucchio – Assistant Professor of History
• Holly Shreve Gilbert – Instructor & Senior Adviser for Journalism and Public Relations
• Caroline Morris – OU alumna (Political Science and Philosophy), Associate Attorney 

Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Relevance to the Prompt – How effectively the submission engages with and responds to the contest question or theme.
• Craft and Presentation – The quality of writing, performance, or artistic execution.
• Support and Depth – Use of examples, evidence, or illustrative details to strengthen the message or expression.
• Insight and Voice – Presence of personal perspective, originality of thought, and an authentic voice.
• Creativity and Effort – Originality, imaginative approach, and clear demonstration of human effort.

For more information on the Student Freedom of Speech Contest, visit the web page or email Nicole Mathew at [email protected].