Gen Z’s View of Free Speech is Problematic

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Gen Z’s View of Free Speech is Problematic

See what I did there? The Washington Examiner highlighted new findings from the latest College Free Speech Rankings by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The survey revealed that 52% of students support blocking controversial campus speeches, up from 37% in 2022. Additionally, 32% think violence is acceptable to stop speeches, while 68% support “shouting down” speakers. Liberal students are more likely to endorse these tactics, especially against views they find offensive.

More from Brad Polumbo at the Examiner:

Not only are college students fundamentally hostile to the idea of free expression, but that hostility, at least over the last few years, is only becoming more pronounced and widespread. This should be deeply concerning to anyone who values America’s unique legal protections for free speech, which are only preserved through our culture valuing free expression. And it has ramifications that extend far beyond the boundaries of college campuses. 

Today’s college students are tomorrow’s CEOs, journalists, politicians, entrepreneurs, and teachers. So, if we cannot convince this country’s young people that they should believe in freedom of expression, then the demise of our free speech rights becomes a question of when, not if. 

If you doubt whether these students will end up in leadership positions, consider that FIRE also ranked Harvard University the worst U.S. institution for free speech in 2023 and 2024. Boston.com recently reported the university scored “abysmal” for its handling of free speech, particularly after student protests in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Harvard saw multiple disruptions of campus events and a speaker deplatforming. The report also highlighted that over half of Harvard students admitted to self-censoring, while 70% believed shouting down speakers is sometimes acceptable.

ICYMI

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