Free food + education = a successful event

On Tuesday, we roped off an area of Dunn Meadow and screamed to every person walking by that we had free food for them. Some ignored us, others claimed they weren't hungry or had a big lunch, but others stopped.

And then we explained it to them.

It was a First Amendment Free Food Festival, so in order to get their free food, they had to sign away their First Amendment rights while they were eating. Once they were done and left the roped-off area, they could have their rights back.

The responses varied: some signed right away, others refused and others had to be convinced. And others still asked what the First Amendment was.

I'd like to think that those who refused know that the First Amendment is too important to sign away, even for free food.

The festival, overall, was a success. It was the second year that SPJ paired with NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) to sponsor the event. But this year we moved the event to right before Constitution Day, which is this Friday, and added Btownmenus.com as a sponsor who donated all the food. DKE Fraternity helped by acting as a "goon" squad who made sure the First Amendment wasn't practiced by those eating food and they seemed to have a great time yelling at attendees and even using textbooks to prove that, yes freedom of expression was a part of First Amendment rights.

More than 140 people attended the event and hopefully they all took something away. We are lucky to have the First Amendment, not only as journalists but as Americans. So check out more photos from the event on the SPJ Facebook page, and in case you missed the event or just want a refresher, here's exactly what the First Amendment is:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The Free Food Festival!

Sept. 14 (next Tuesday) will be the second year the IU/David L. Adams Memorial Chapter presents the First Amendment Free Food Festival. It will be from noon to 3 p.m. in Dunn Meadow (during your lunch break!), and everyone is invited!

So why stop by during your precious hour between classes?

First, we're not going to unload dorm food on you -- Btownmenus.com is co-sponsoring the event, and all the food is free.

Yes, you read that right -- free.

Well, sort of.

It's a simple deal, really. You show up at Dunn Meadow and go up to a big table, where you will sign away the rights guaranteed to you by the First Amendment to the Constitution. In return, we give you delicious Btownmenus food.

It's not like you're giving up that much, right? And you get free food!

So show up at Dunn Meadow between noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept 14. We'll feed you, and all we ask is that you not exercise your right to ... well, you'll see. It's not that big a deal, right?

See you on Sept. 14!