The Augusta University Libraries participated in the fifth annual Future of the First Amendment on Tuesday, March 10, with this year’s program focusing on the role of the press during the American Revolution and the nation’s early decades.
Approximately 50 people attended the event in the Jaguar Student Activities Center Coffeehouse. Author and historian Dr. Carol Sue Humphrey, a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla., served as the featured speaker. Her research focuses on the history of the press from the American Revolution through the War of 1812.
Before Humphrey’s presentation, Professor Emeritus Hubert Van Tuyll led the audience in singing the national anthem. Representatives from the participating organizations, including Melissa Johnson, director of Reese Library, also offered opening remarks.
During her talk, Humphrey explored the many roles the press played during the American Revolution and the early years of the United States. She noted that several states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, explicitly referenced freedom of the press in their founding documents. She also explained that both pro-British and pro-patriot presses operated throughout the colonies, and that anonymous writing often served as an important protection for writers facing threats to their safety.
Following Humphrey’s presentation, attendees took part in a 15-minute Q&A session. The discussion touched on topics ranging from James Madison’s views on constitutional interpretation and press rights to the lasting relevance of New York Times v. Sullivan.
After the Q&A session, the AU Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists presented its “Champions of the First Amendment” awards, honoring the following individuals:
— Dr. Carol Sue Humphrey
— Rodrigo Burgos Avila, Editor-in-Chief, The Bell Ringer
— Lydia Williams, photographer, The Bell Ringer
— Meredith Anderson, Reporter, WRDW
— James B. Ellington, mass media attorney, Hull Barrett
— Scott Hudson (posthumous), reporter for WGAC and the Augusta Press
Organizers selected this year’s topic in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The America 250 initiative will bring several events to campus throughout 2026.
The Augusta University Libraries and Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences co-sponsored the event. Additional support came from the AU Department of Communication, the AU Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Phoenix student magazine, the student newspaper The Bellringer, JagNews, and The Augusta Press.
To learn more about upcoming AU Libraries events, click here.
