Free Speech News
The Daily Signal provides coverage of free speech battles, censorship issues, and constitutional debates. Includes commentary and opinion pieces on protecting civil liberties in America.
-
opinion
Odd Allies Are Coming Together to Defend Free Speech
It’s amazing to see who comes to the defense of freedom when you least expect it. In July, 12 leading philosophy scholars from around the world signed on to a statement supporting freedom of thought and speech in academia, specifically as those freedoms are being undercut by gender identity ideology. These scholars warned of a… -
opinion
College Kowtows to Students Saying ‘Free Speech Harms’
It became known as “The Bloody Morning Scout.” In 1755, Ephraim Williams Jr. led colonial forces and some 200 Mohawk allies into battle against French and Indian troops near Lake George, New York. But Williams marched into a deadly ambush. He was killed in the fight, and his troops were driven back, suffering tremendous losses. But… -
opinion
Our Free Speech Crisis
The First Amendment to our Constitution was proposed by the 1788 Virginia Ratification Convention during its narrow 89-to-79 vote to ratify the Constitution. Virginia’s resolution held that the free exercise of religion, right to assembly, and free speech could not be canceled, abridged, or restrained. These Madisonian principles were eventually ratified by the states on… -
opinion
Free Speech on Campus Comes With Responsibility
In the face of adversity, the responsible use of freedom is a virtue—as well as a necessity. America is a nation born from the idea of freedom. To properly use this blessing and avoid abusing it, we need the clarity of moral insight. Civil rights require civic responsibility. But Americans’ fear of losing the freedom… -
opinion
Knitting Site Banning Pro-Trump Speech Just Latest Example of Left Squelching Speech
Fun fact: I’ve been crocheting since I was 10, when my Tita Lisa taught me the magic of granny squares. Fellow yarn nerds will understand the heavenly bliss of spending hours at Hobby Lobby or Walmart immersed in a sea of alpaca, mohair, angora, super bulky and super saver skeins for blankets, baby clothes, hats,… -
news
Anti-Israel BDS Movement Is Anti-Semitism Disguised as Free Speech, Rubio Says
Sen. Marco Rubio sharply criticized the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, saying that it falsely masquerades as a crusade for free speech. “Let’s pass the resolution condemning anti-Semitism, and then let’s put some muscle behind it, by passing a bill that actually gives states the ability to go after anti-Semitism disguised as economic policy… -
opinion
Alabama’s Stand for Free Speech Sets an Example for the Nation
State mottos should be built to last, and Alabama’s lawmakers just applied theirs—Audemus jura nostra defendere or “We dare defend our rights”—to one of the most contentious and visible issues of debate today: free speech on college campuses. Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey approved a proposal to protect the expressive rights of everyone who is… -
news
How College Students Really Feel About Free Speech on Campus
A new survey finding that college students generally support free speech also shows what for some is a worrisome divide over what students value more: an “inclusive society” that “welcomes diverse groups” or protecting “the extremes of free speech.” The Knight Foundation’s “Free Expressions of College Campuses” report polled students over the course of three… -
opinion
Arizona Case Shows the Difference Between Campus Free Speech and Harassment
Three Arizona students may soon learn a valuable lesson: There’s a difference between exercising your free speech on campus and blocking someone else’s attempt to do the same. In March, three University of Arizona students shouted down a group of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, and then chased them to their cars, hurling insults… -
news
Trump’s Executive Order to Colleges: Protect Free Speech or Risk Billions in Federal Grants
Polly Olson, a student at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, last year handed out homemade Valentine cards on her campus with Christian messages until college officials told her she was restricted to a “free speech zone.” On Thursday, Olson told her story at the White House before President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at… -
opinion
Podcast: Dennis Prager Discusses Anti-Semitism, Free Speech at Colleges
Radio host and columnist Dennis Prager joins us to discuss his upcoming movie “No Safe Spaces” and the rise of political correctness on college campuses. Prager, who is Jewish, also discusses the rise of anti-Semitism. Plus: We talk about the old radio interviews Tucker Carlson did that Media Matters unearthed. We also cover these stories:… -
opinion
It’s Time for Congress to Defend Free Speech on Campus
As an undergraduate student during the ‘60s, the Vietnam War was often on our minds and in our conversations. I vividly remember the discussions. Students were debating professors and each another. Ideas were being exchanged, opinions formed, and unique perspectives shared. I saw firsthand how college campuses across the nation were hubs of free speech—and… -
news
Trump Vows to Cut Funding to Colleges That Don’t Protect Free Speech
President Donald Trump prompted a thunderous chant of “USA, USA” from an audience of conservative activists Saturday when he announced actions to protect free speech on college campuses. Trump made the announcement after inviting Hayden Williams, 26, who says he was assaulted for his beliefs Feb. 19 at University of California, Berkeley, to come onstage… -
opinion
How Unnecessary Laws Pit Falconry Against Free Speech
When flocks of birds fly too close to airports, hotels, or landfills, property managers call someone like professional falconer Scott Timmons. Timmons launches one of his falcons to patrol the property, where the majestic creature swoops and dives, scaring away seagulls, pigeons, and the like. His bird gets to fly free while he enjoys a… -
opinion
Professor Thinks Banning These Words Would Fix Free Speech on College Campuses
University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax is accustomed to political wrongthink. Wax has a bachelor’s degree from Yale College, a medical degree from Harvard, and a law degree from Columbia. But none of those was enough to exempt her from being on the receiving end of a full-fledged campaign to get her fired. Nor… -
news
UC Berkeley Limits Free Speech … Again
The University of California at Berkeley, regarded as the birthplace of the free speech movement, has done away with one of its historic “free speech zones.” Carol Christ, chancellor of UC Berkeley, last month emailed a statement to students, faculty, and staff detailing changes to the university’s policy regarding free speech events on campus. Among… -
opinion
The Daily Signal Podcast: In Britain, Free Speech at Risk
Great Britain has historically been one of the most free countries in the world. But in this hypersensitive age, free speech is coming under genuine threat—not just on college campuses, but across British society. Anglican Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali joins us to discuss. Plus: The media gets worked up over an apparent ice-throwing incident in Brett… -
news
Defend Free Speech as ‘Precious and Rare,’ Jeff Sessions Tells High Schoolers
A raucous crowd of high schoolers greeted Attorney General Jeff Sessions when he championed freedom of speech as “precious and rare” during remarks Tuesday at Turning Point USA’s annual High School Leadership Summit. After hitting the stage to the strains of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Sessions told the crowd of young people at George… -
news
‘We Need More Free Speech’: How ‘Miss Community’ Is Bringing Civility to Her City
Clovia Lawrence, known in Richmond, Virginia, as “Miss Community,” recently spoke to Daily Signal Editor-in-Chief Rob Bluey about her work in the city and why she’s passionate about bringing people together to solve problems. An edited transcript of her interview is below. Rob Bluey: You really are about bringing people together, forging strong relationships. You’ve… -
opinion
We Hear You: Some Free Speech to Honor Those the Nation Salutes on Memorial Day
Editor's note: We remember those who died for our freedom on Memorial Day, so it's fitting that this week's column reflects the freedom with which The Daily Signal's audience expresses its views. Write us at [email protected]—Ken McIntyre Dear Daily Signal: This weighs on me. There is so much confusion and emotionalism, not to mention lack of…