More than 350 students signed away their First Amendment rights of speech, religion, assembly, press and petition in exchange for a barbecue sandwich, chips, and a drink. The First Amendment Free Food Festival, sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Academic Honor Council and the Corolla was held Wednesday on the Quad across from Reese Phifer Hall.

Participants were harassed by the goon squad, deprived of personal property, forced to submit to the searching of their bags, denied the food they were promised and illegally placed in jail, with no way of protesting against the harsh treatment.

“I think students need an appreciation of the First Amendment rights, and sometimes, that takes a guy in a mask yelling in your face,” said Chris Roberts, an associate professor of journalism and SPJ sponsor. “If you don’t have your First Amendment rights, how can you have any other rights?”

The message resonated with participants.

“The First Amendment is one of the biggest reasons I joined the army,” said Alex Standridge, a freshman history major and Army ROTC cadet private. “We are so privileged in this country. I think it’s good to let students experience life without the First Amendment.”

The message affected David Cifelli, a junior majoring in history.

“While’s it’s just a simulation, it does illustrate that living under a police state would inhibit people,” Cifelli said.

Caroline Bowman, a senior majoring in psychology, said she was troubled by how restricted life would be without the First Amendment.

“It’s really sad,” she said. “I’m glad somebody put on an event like this.”

The First Amendment Free Food Festival is a nationwide event that has been held on more than 20 campuses, but this was the first time on UA’s campus. The goal of the event was to get students to stop and think about how valuable First Amendment rights truly are.