We are glad to see that Vanderbilt is reevaluating its relationship with the media in light of recent events. We also recognize that Vanderbilt is a private university with more latitude in setting its policies regarding privacy and access to private property. However, the university’s strong commitment to promoting free speech and open dialogue must […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nashville, Tenn., March 26, 2024 — The Future of Free Speech, a nonpartisan think tank located at Vanderbilt University, has responded to the arrest of a Nashville Scene reporter covering protests today on Vanderbilt’s campus. Jacob Mchangama, the organization’s Executive Director, issued the following statement: “We do not condone the use of […]
The Declaration: The Westminster Declaration We write as journalists, artists, authors, activists, technologists, and academics to warn of increasing international censorship that threatens to erode centuries-old democratic norms. Coming from the left, right, and centre, we are united by our commitment to universal human rights and freedom of speech, and we are all deeply concerned […]
Freedom of expression—including the freedom to mistreat religious artefacts, however crude that may be as a form of protest—is a vital cornerstone of free societies. Below, we are pleased to publish an open letter featuring many prominent signatories denouncing the Danish government’s proposal to criminalize the “improper treatment” of religious objects. By drawing attention to […]
Exciting news! Jacob Mchangama’s Free Speech book has been translated into Arabic by Ideas Beyond Borders and is now available online. This is a great opportunity for Arabic speakers to learn more about free speech and its history. This comprehensive history of free speech from ancient to modern times traces the history of free speech […]
Justitia, an independent and nonpartisan think tank based in Copenhagen, Denmark, has opened its first office in the U.S. at Vanderbilt University. A video message from Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier about the opening of Justitia’s first U.S. office at Vanderbilt and the expansion of the Future of Free Speech project. The office at Vanderbilt will […]
We’re thrilled to announce Jeff Kosseff as a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Future of Free Speech Project! We have long admired Jeff’s scholarship and ability to explain complex matters of law in an accessible and compelling manner. Jeff’s work on the First Amendment and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act has been crucial […]
Free speech is a crucial component of a democratic society, allowing individuals to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of reprisal. However, around the world, free speech is frequently under attack, with individuals and groups facing censorship and other barriers to their ability to speak out. Our project aims to address this problem by […]