In recognition of Constitution Week, Tuesday during first, second, and third periods, a York alumni turned 1st Amendment rights activist, Nico Perrino, visited York to speak to social studies classes.

Perrino graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington with a B.A. in journalism and history. Today, Perrino is living in New York City and is the Director of Communications for a company called FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Education). FIRE’s mission is to defend the first amendment rights on colleges and university campuses in the United States.

“Many colleges do not uphold their students’ 1st Amendment rights,” Perrino said. “It’s our job to defend those students and help them stand up for a principle that I believe in.”

Throughout Perrino’s speech he covered various topics ranging from how he entered the field of journalism to examples of the many cases he has covered while working for FIRE.

Students responded enthusiastically to his speech. They were very impressed with his work and his relevance to their own lives.

“I thought it was super interesting that he represented both students and teachers. I also enjoyed how he used real life examples of cases to show his points,” said junior Eileen King, who attended the speech with her U.S. History class. “It really brought the whole presentation together.”

Lindsey DiTomasso, Social Studies teacher, organized the presentation. She also spoke highly of Perrino’s speech and of the lessons that her students are able to learn from him and his experiences.

“Democracy is not a spectator sport! Nico reminded us of the importance to stand up for what you believe and to question authority in the name of injustice,” DiTomasso said. “His speech also helped the students consider the idea of why and how private institutions might want to curb student and staff rights on campus. It was very enlightening to know the issues surrounding free speech are alive and well and that organizations like FIRE are exist to continue to defend those rights.”