Under a gorgeous October sky, proponents of free speech and the First Amendment took to the streets surrounding Newnan’s historic courthouse to show their support.

The rally was spurred by recent actions taken against East Coweta’s newspaper, Smoke Signals.

In late September, an issue of Smoke Signals came out that drew the attention and ire of East Coweta Principal Derek Pitts. Pitts objected to two columns that he felt reflected badly on the school. One column was about the school’s beauty pageant, while another was a satirical column in the manner of Jonathan Swift.

Managing editor Caitlyn VanOrden took exception to the decision that future editions would have to be approved by school officials, and resigned along with the faculty advisor.

School system spokesperson Dean Jackson said Elizabeth McFadden was appointed the new adviser and an editorial board featuring two students and two faculty members was appointed to oversee the product.

VanOrden decided the best way to show her feelings was to hold a rally in Newnan to get out the message of the importance of free speech.

On Sunday, VanOrden was pleased with the turnout and handed out black armbands and signs to residents who wanted to show their support for free speech.

“It’s a celebration of American freedoms. There is still a spirit of activism alive,” she said.

She plans to petition the school board on November 13 to recognize First Amendment rights with the newspaper and allow the student staff to have autonomy.

As protest songs played in the background, VanOrden headed to the stereet and displayed a sign urging residents to support free speech.

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