The Latest Breaking News from Freedom Of Speech

Universities urged to have the ‘cojones’ to stand up for themselves on free speech and sexual misconduct

Former education secretary said universities can deal with grade inflation, sexual misconduct, mental health and freedom of speech themselves

Evening Standard · Mar 14, 2023

Police won't investigate people 'taking offence' in new freedom of speech rules

The Home Office says it is protecting lawful debate and difference of opinion

Wales Online · Mar 13, 2023

Freedom of speech to be prioritised over taking offence under draft guidelines

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the draft guidelines will prevent police ‘wrongly getting involved in lawful debate’.

The Independent UK · Mar 13, 2023

The New York Times Warns That Freedom of Speech 'Threatens Public Health' and 'Democracy Itself'

The paper is unfazed by First Amendment objections to the Biden administration's crusade against "misinformation" on social media.

Reason · Feb 9, 2023

North Dakota Legislators Consider Bill To Ban 'Sexually Explicit' Material From Public Libraries

"If you don't like a book, don't read it. The First Amendment's guarantee of the freedom of speech and the right to access information has created a beautiful marketplace of ideas in our country," said one ACLU representative opposing the bill.

Reason · Jan 19, 2023

Culture Secretary criticises Gary Lineker over comments on Qatar and US racism

Michelle Donelan also distances herself from Jeremy Clarkson's views on Meghan Markle but says she is 'a believer of freedom of speech'

Wales Online · Jan 12, 2023

More on Hamline

Over at The Dispatch, I have a new piece on Hamline University and its academic freedom struggles. Here's a taste: In an extremely competitive field, Hamline University is making a bold bid to be the new standard-bearer for universities willing to cast aside principles of academic freedom and freedom of…

Reason · Jan 6, 2023

FIRE Files Academic Freedom Complaint With Hamline University's Accrediting Agency

From FIRE's letter sent yesterday to the Higher Learning Commission (which is Hamline's accrediting agency, "a regional accreditation agency that accredits degree granting institutions of higher education that are based in the 19-state North Central region of the United States"): To the Higher Learning Commission: As a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated…

Reason · Jan 5, 2023

Commentary: Bookstores are a refuge for freedom of speech while censors on both sides wage battle

Freedom of speech is forever embattled. That is its nature. Easy to assent to in the abstract, the principle becomes more challenging when the speech at issue assails one’s most cherished values. Polls over the years have consistently reflected this dynamic. “Of course I support freedom of speech,” respondents say,…

Chicago Tribune · Dec 30, 2022

Dining across the divide: ‘She sees my generation as not being grateful enough for what we have’

They both vote Labour and agree on Brexit – but what about freedom of speech and cancel culture?

The Guardian - UK · Dec 29, 2022