At one time I naively misunderstood the first amendment as well, but I will share what I have since learned.
I have no issue with the individual who was banned; they asked about the first amendment and stated how a certain mod doesn't understand the US constitution.
The first amendment:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The first amendment doesn't give you the right to say whatever you want, YOU CAN ALREADY DO THAT. The first amendment prohibits the gov't from making a law that will silence you, your religion, your peaceful assembly, etc. Private entities can silence you by banning you on their own platform.
That said, different organizations (sdn included) have policies for their patrons, members, customers, etc.
You (a person, no one in particular) can come on here and say whatever you want, no one is stopping that. But due to their policies that they made, they can eject you if they find you offensive/troublesome.
Much like a man standing up in the middle of a restaurant (Qdoba) and yelling out loud to get everyone's attention and argue, etc. In that instance, being loud is destructive to the atmosphere that that restaurant seeks to maintain. Thus you will be asked to leave by a manager. You can say what you want anytime, but Qdoba asked you to leave and not come back, and may even ban you from their premises. They are not violating the first amendment b/c they are not the govt making and enforcing a law telling you to shut up.
They are a private corporation who views you as destructive to their business model, and they have the right to do so.
In sum, gov't can't tell you to shut up, they have no law for that. Private business owner can, it's his/her business and you entered their place of business. They can do what they want IF you are disruptive. First amendment doesn't protect you from that, it protects your freedom from govt control of religion, speech, etc.
If that individual has a passion for stirring up trouble at a burrito shop, they can visit moe's or taco bell, and be as loud as they want, and then move on after a ban from there.
To the individual who was banned. I really do wish you the best of luck in your medical school endeavor and I hope it goes well for you.
