Free Speech Week

Neither a political event nor an ideological platform, Free Speech Week is a unifying celebration reminding the people of the US that they all have a voice that may be used and that their neighbor’s voice and opinion are just as valuable as their own!

As was written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall in 1906 in The Friends of Voltaire, “I do not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”

History of Free Speech Week

The idea of free speech was foundational to the forming of the US government in 1791 and took its place as the First Amendment to the Constitution.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” –First Amendment of the United States Constitution, 1791

And while the act of free speech has been exercised and celebrated over and over throughout these more than two centuries, Free Speech Week was first observed only recently, in 2005.

This event was founded through the collaborative efforts of The Media Institute along with The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation.

Originally named National Freedom of Speech Week, this event was established to promote, celebrate, and shine a light on the importance of free speech within the democracy of the United States.

This annual event is meant to be a nonpartisan, non-political, non-idealogical opportunity that seeks to bring unity and around the fundamental rights of free speech and free press.

Many different organizations, including major media companies as well as trade associations, have acted in partnership with Free Speech Week to continue this new tradition of celebrating and spreading the message throughout the nation.

How to Celebrate Free Speech Week

Free speech is certainly a serious topic that is worth contemplation and intelligent conversion. But it can also come with a great deal of fun!

Grab some friends, neighbors, or coworkers and get involved with Free Speech Week, starting with some of these ideas:

Learn More About Free Speech

An excellent way to get involved with Free Speech Week is for individuals, families, schools, government agencies, and other groups to make it into an opportunity for learning.

While most children have gone through a civics class that taught this, as people grow into adulthood they may need reminders about what it means for them. Consider some of these elements:

• Although there may be differences in the way the idea of free speech is interpreted, most people agree that it is a basic right of every American to exercise with care
• Speech is more than the words that come out of the mouth, but also includes artistic expression, symbols displayed, clothing worn, flags flown, and more
• Free speech is protected from government interference but does not protect from the reactions of other individuals or private communities
• Certain types of speech, including certain types of lying or hate speech, are not protected by the First Amendment

Host a Free Speech Week Gathering

From a dinner party where discussions about free speech are fostered to a public viewing of a documentary about the First Amendment, the celebrations of Free Speech Week can be creative and unique!

Teachers can create lessons for their students about the history of free speech, or older students can hold a debate to help them learn. Community organizations, churches, or other groups might be interested in hosting Town Hall style meetings that seek to promote healthy, respectful dialogue in a way that fosters unity.

Exercise Freedom of Speech

The freedom of speech comes with all sorts of amazing opportunities to get involved and celebrate this incredible right.

From placing a sticker on the bumper of a car to wearing a t-shirt with a political statement, Free Speech Week is a great time for people to be more attentive about using their voices!

Check out some of these others ways to exercise free speech:

• Use that voice and express yourself through the written word in formats such as poetry, song lyrics, letters to the editor, online reviews, social media commentary, essays, or writing a letter to a senator or representative about an important issue
• Artwork has been a form of political expression for centuries, and Freedom of Speech Week might be a great time to create a sculpture, painting, drawing, political cartoon or some other creative expression
• Post a political sign on the front lawn
• Share posts about Freedom of Speech Week on social media, encouraging respectful dialogue and unity over division