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Our Mission

The mission of the Institute for Free Speech & Democratic Discourse (THE INSTITUTE) is to strengthen democratic discourse by addressing the gap between the constitutional protections for free expression guaranteed by the First Amendment and the cultural, social, and institutional conditions that shape how freely individuals participate in public debate. The Institute focuses on the perceived freedoms and informal constraints that influence expressive behavior even where formal legal protections are firmly in place.

Our Work

Our work is grounded in the premise that free speech functions effectively only when constitutional protections are supported by cultural norms and institutional practices that encourage open participation. When individuals perceive high social or professional risk associated with expressing dissenting or unpopular views, the practical value of formal speech protections is diminished.

We address this challenge through a preventive, research-driven approach that examines how democratic discourse operates in practice and identifies ways to reduce informal barriers to expression. By generating evidence-based analysis and actionable recommendations, the Institute seeks to strengthen the conditions under which free speech is exercised responsibly, confidently, and inclusively.

About Us

Hamid Karimianpour, CEO

Leo Gomez, Board

Donald Jennings, Board

Medium

For articles on Medium click here

Substack

Speech at Risk on Substack