Free speech rights: Frequent Amherst protester involved in fight Amherst Regional High School students turn to look at Trump supporter Phil O’Connell, holding sign in background, during a walkout last year. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO Published: 9/4/2017 7:04:29 PM AMHERST — Holding signs with words criticizing the media, blasting feminism and slamming Hillary Clinton, Phil O’Connell has been a frequent presence on the sidewalks of downtown Amherst. Even though his political views may differ from many of those living and studying in the college town, O’Connell has First Amendment rights to free speech, Police Chief Scott Livingstone said. Even so, Amherst Police continue to field complaints about what people view as offensive phrases on his hand-made signs.