Freedom of Expression
Oct 24, 2021, 1-3:30PM
Overview
Freedom of expression is one of our most fundamental rights as Americans, guaranteed by the First Amendment and held dear for decades by citizens across the political spectrum. But in our polarized democracy, exercising the freedom to speak one’s mind has become fraught. What does free speech mean in 2021? Does freedom of expression support the powerful or the powerless? Does the First Amendment apply on Twitter, Snapchat, or Facebook—and should it? How should we respond to speech we find difficult or even dangerous? Where is the line between free speech and hate speech? If free speech is designed to further democratic participation, is it working? Do we really feel free to speak out?
Using ongoing controversies as our guide and focusing on student and faculty rights, we'll explore the tensions presented by protecting free speech in our divided, diverse nation. How much power should educational institutions have over their students’ expression? Can and should students be punished for talking about race in offensive ways in social media posts, or handing out political flyers? May students or professors be disciplined for criticizing Black Lives Matter protesters—or January 6 rioters? Can universities reject student groups like the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws or Students for Justice in Palestine because of their views? We’ll talk about it with Will Creeley of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
Background Resources
We want to keep readings/watchings reasonable and brief. Recognizing that there’s TONS to read, watch, and listen to on this front, we’ve chosen a few from different vantage points and we welcome you to add others you’ve read and recommend others read to broaden our perspectives.
Please be sure to read:
“The Problem of Free Speech in the Age of Disinformation,” Emily Bazelon (New York Times Magazine, Oct 20, 2020)
“The Future of Student Free Speech Comes Down to a Foul-Mouthed Cheerleader,” Frank D. Lomonte (Slate, March 29, 2021) [you may also want to look over the Supreme Court’s decision in the case here]
We strongly encourage you to also read:
Harpers' Magazine Letter on Justice and Open Debate (July 7, 2020) and some of the reactions to it, including An Open Letter on Justice and Open Debate, An Open Letter on Free Expression Draws a Counterblast, Artists and Writers Warn of an ‘Intolerant Climate.’ Reaction Is Swift, A Deeply Provincial View of Free Speech, and/or Free speech, safety, and ‘the letter’ (Ezra Klein podcast with Yascha Mounk, July 12, 2020, 1:31 min)
Departure letters by two writers in response to what the perceive as the current environment: Bari Weiss and Andrew Sullivan
What if Instead of Calling People Out, We Called Them In? (New York Times, Nov 19, 2020)
If time allows, please choose a few to read from the following:
Covid-19: Global attack on freedom of expression is having a dangerous impact on public health crisis (Amnesty International, Oct 21, 2021)
Standing for Voice and Free Expression: Mark Zuckerberg’s speech at Georgetown University (Oct 17, 2019) (can be watched or read)
"Don’t Expel Members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon for Racism," Jamelle Bouie (Slate, March 10, 2015) (short!)
"Free Speech Defenders Don’t Understand the Critique Against Them," Nicholas Grossman (Arc, July 15, 2020)
“The ‘free speech debate’ isn’t really about free speech,” by Zach Beauchamp (Vox, July 22, 2020)
Listen: Sean Decatur doesn’t see a free speech crisis on campus (Ezra Klein podcast with Sean Decatur, Jan 17, 2019) 1:16 min
Poll: 62% of Americans Say They Have Political Views They’re Afraid to Share (Cato Institute, July 22, 2020)
Viewpoint: Promote Political Discourse (The Hoya, July 24, 2020)
National Undergraduate Study of Free Speech and related issues (McLaughlin & Associates for The William F. Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale, 2018)
