In America we like to think we live in a land of liberty, where everyone can say whatever they want. Throughout our history, however, we have also been quick to censor people who offend or frighten us. We talk a good game about freedom of speech, then we turn around and deny it to others. In this conversation, historian Jonathan Zimmerman tells the story of free speech in America: who established it, who has denounced it, and who has risen to its defense. He also makes the case for why we should care about it today, when free speech is once again under attack. Across the political spectrum, Americans have demanded the suppression of ideas and images that allegedly threaten our nation. But the biggest danger to America comes not from speech but from censorship, which prevents us from freely governing ourselves. Free speech allows us to criticize our leaders. It lets us consume the art, film, and literature we prefer. And, perhaps most importantly, it allows minorities to challenge the oppression they suffer. While any of us are censored, none of us are free.

About the Speaker

Jonathan Zimmerman is Professor of History of Education and the Judy and Howard Berkowitz Professor in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. His books examine schools and universities across space and time, focusing especially on the ways they have addressed sex, religion, free speech and other controversial topics. A former Peace Corps volunteer and high school social studies teacher, Zimmerman is also a frequent contributor to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other popular newspapers and magazines. Zimmerman taught for 20 years at New York University, where he received the university's Distinguished Teaching Award in 2008.

This event is presented by the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) and the Center for the Study of Government and the Individual.