State Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, said teachers shouldn’t have to choose between basic American freedoms and their career. “Expanding teachers’ rights to speak, in certain forums, I would support,” Kissel said. Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias started the talk asking the four panelists how they felt when presented with the seemingly obvious statement that teachers have free speech. Adrienne DeLucca, CEA general counsel, explained how the Supreme Court has ruled in protecting speech when it comes to teachers. “That means you ticked off one parent.”James Demetriades, legal counsel for the American Federation of Teachers – CT, agreed.