“I often tell people that freedom of speech doesn't mean it won't come with a cost,” says Stephanie Austin, social media specialist and CEO of BDGB enterprise.

This conversation is gaining traction as national and local debates heat up—including in Erie—following recent reprimanding related to employees’ personal online posts, particularly reactions to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Austin explained that while many people view freedom of speech as a limitless right, it can still lead to both professional and personal consequences.

“You can go online and say whatever you want, but if you're in an at-will state—even if you're a teacher—you can still be let go,” she said.

“Both with Kirk and all things politics, there are literally watchdogs on social media who are monitoring what people say online,” Austin noted.

She emphasized that the consequences of online speech can vary significantly depending on one’s profession and employer.

“If you're a government official and you feel your freedom of speech rights have been violated, you can take that to a higher authority,” she explained.

Austin also pointed out that "union-represented employees may have additional protections, though those protections don’t guarantee immunity—especially when a post gains widespread attention." 

“If you're part of a union, you might have more protection in terms of not being instantly fired,” she said.