Freedom of speech, freedom of expression and academic freedom are complicated concepts, but the premise of this post is a simple one: that there should be very few restrictions applied to speech on campuses. Although some may think that surely a defence of free speech is not necessary at colleges, which were constructed to discuss ideas, all ideas, not just a few of them, but that is not the case. The word "free" is now less associated with the word "speech", than words like, "hateful", "discriminatory", "deceitful" and even "blasphemous." Free speech is seen by many as a tool only for those in power and that the minimal harm caused by limiting the freedom of expression "is far outweighed by the benefit it provides to vulnerable groups and to the promotion of equality."
I don't agree and am bothered by the fact that the list of people effectively restricted from coming to speak at the campus close by, would be a very long one. And, I am not talking about just those who might want to discuss the political situation in the Middle East.
Although many students may not want to hear about ideas to which they are opposed and worry also about being 'harmed' by them, some alumni may feel differently. Apparently that is the case in the United States where the Alumni Free Speech Alliance, "exists to preserve the pursuit of truth in American Higher Education. We do this by empowering alumni of American colleges and universities to form and run independent alumni organizations that support free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity at their alma mater."
This alumni alliance was formed in 2021 to protect the freedom of expression. I do not think there is such a group in Canada. If you want to start one, the information that follows should be useful. One can begin by looking at the websites of AFSA and FIRE - Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. A couple of dozen alumni groups have joined the Alliance and their websites are provided. There is some redundancy and a few of the nascent ones have yet to create a website, but as they develop and their activities increase this could be a good resource for those interested in making their old campus a more interesting and inviting place.
ALUMNI FREE SPEECH ALLIANCE
Boston University (coming soon)
Boston University Free Speech Alliance
Bucknell
https://www.opendiscoursecoalition.org/
Open Discourse Coalition
“Providing a variety of intellectual viewpoints at Bucknell University and beyond.”
Columbia
https://www.alumnifreespeechalliance.org/
Alumni Free Speech Alliance
“AFSA exists to organize, empower, and engage alumni to preserve the legacy of rational truth-seeking by securing free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity at American colleges and universities.”
Cornell
https://www.cornellfreespeech.com/
Free Speech Alliance
WHAT WE DEFEND
"The Cornell Free Speech Alliance (CFSA) is an independent, non-partisan organization of Cornell alumni and faculty dedicated to protecting free expression, viewpoint diversity, and academic freedom at Cornell University. CFSA works to address speech suppression on campus and supports individuals facing infringements on their rights, urging Cornell to adopt stronger free speech protections and political nonpartisanship."
Dartmouth (coming)
Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance
Davidson
https://www.dftdunite.org/
“Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse”
Furman
https://www.furman-free-speech.com/
Furman Free Speech Alliance
“ Friends of Furman is dedicated to promoting free expression, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity at Furman University. The Furman Free Speech Alliance is not affiliated with Furman University.
Harvard
https://harvardalumniforfreespeech.com/
Harvard Alumni For Free Speech
“Our purpose is to promote and strengthen free expression, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity, both on campus and throughout the global Harvard-Radcliffe community. We hope to encourage all Harvard stakeholders who pursue freedom in speech and thought.”
James Madison (coming)
Madison Cabinet For Free Speech
“The alumni behind the Madison Cabinet came together because of their shared concerns about JMU’s restrictive speech codes, limited viewpoint diversity, and lack of transparency in university governance. Beyond speaking out about these issues, these graduates intend to petition the school to uphold its First Amendment obligations as a public university.”
Lafayette
Alumni/Alumnae Coalition for Lafayette
Macalester
https://www.macmods.org/
Macalester Alumni of Moderation
“ Macalester Alumni of Moderation believe a liberal arts education is enhanced by differing points of view shared freely on campus.”
MIT
https://www.mitfreespeech.org/
MIT Free Speech Alliance
“The MIT Free Speech Alliance, an independent nonprofit founded by Institute alumni, is a key voice in the fight to keep MIT a place for innovation and engagement with diverse perspectives. Since our founding we have supported speech-protective policies at MIT, including the adoption of MIT’s Statement on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom and the elimination of DEI statements.”
MSU
https://michiganstateforfreespeech.org/
Michigan State Alumni For Free Speech
“Promoting free expression, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity.”
Michigan Technological
https://huskiesforcommonsense.org/
“Michigan Tech Alumni and Friends Supporting Free Speech and Critical Thinking”
Princeton
https://princetoniansforfreespeech.org/
Princetonians For Free Speech
“Fighting For Free Speech Alongside Princeton Alumni, Faculty & Students”
Stanford
https://www.stanfordfreespeech.org/
Stanford Alumni For Free Speech and Critical Thinking
UCLA
https://www.ucla-free-speech.com/
Bruin Alumni In Defense Of Free Speech
“Promoting free expression, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity.”
“We are UCLA graduates reaching out to all Bruin alumni who are ready to take a stand against the erosion of free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity on our nation’s campuses; alumni who are dismayed at shout-down protests and violence against speech deemed offensive, faculty disciplined for pedagogical speech that challenges students’ political or cultural beliefs, and a campus culture that intimidates students into silence on controversial topics.”
University of California
https://calfsm.org/
University of California Free Speech Alliance
“The University of California Free Speech Alliance (UCSFA) works with the Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA), American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), Cal's Faculty Freedom Caucus, and The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's (FIRE).”
University of Chicago (coming)
University of Chicago Free Speech Alliance
University of North Carolina
https://www.uncafsa.org/
UNC Free Speech Alliance
“ Join UNC AFSA in promoting free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity at UNC.”
University of Pennsylvania
https://www.pennfreespeech.org/
University of Pennsylvania Alumni Free Speech Alliance
“We are alumni of the University of Pennsylvania and want to let the university know that we believe in free speech as foundational principles for our alma mater.”
University of Virginia.
https://www.jeffersoncouncil.org/
The Jefferson Council
“Preserving Thomas Jefferson’s Legacy of Freedom and Excellence.”
“The Jefferson Council is made up of a robust network of concerned and invested alumni who are committed to leading the University of Virginia back to Thomas Jefferson’s legacy of freedom and excellence.”
VMI
https://cadetnewspaper.org/
Link is to The Cadet newspaper which is a member of the AFSA.
“The Cadet Foundation is a proud and honored member of the Alumni Free Speech Alliance. On many campuses, students and faculty are attacked for exercising free speech. According to the FIRE survey, over 80 percent of students at schools surveyed said they self-censor in the classroom, on campus and online.”
Washington and Lee
https://www.thegeneralsredoubt.us/
The Generals Redoubt
“ A non-partisan organization committed to fostering open discussion and historical integrity. It aims to preserve the legacy of Washington and Lee University while providing a platform for alumni, students, and friends to engage in educational activities and dialogues. The organization also emphasizes its independence from political affiliations, ensuring a focus on historical understanding and free speech.”
Williams
https://www.williamsfreespeech.com/
Williams Free Speech Alliance
“The Williams Free Speech Alliance (WFSA) is a non-partisan organization founded by a group of Williams alumni in January 2023 to protect and promote Free Expression, Viewpoint Diversity, Institutional Neutrality, and Academic Freedom at Williams College.”
Wofford (coming)
https://www.alumniwoffordway.com/
Alumni For the Wofford Way
Yale
https://fightforyale.com/
Fight For Yale’s Future
“Restoring Light and Truth. Fight for Yale’s Future was created to educate key stakeholders and members of the public about an ever-expanding series of troubling developments at Yale University, to stimulate debate about its mission and activities, and to hold its leadership accountable.
We seek to empower alumni, students, faculty, staff, and other interested parties to speak out and take action to bring about necessary changes to restore light and truth at Yale.”
Other "Free Speech" Posts on MM
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