Mission Statement
Our mission 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. We focus on the perceived freedoms and informal constraints that influence expressive behavior even where formal legal protections are firmly in place.
The Challenge
The First Amendment provides sweeping protections against governmental suppression of speech, and these protections are essential to a functioning democracy. When public institutions violate these constitutional guarantees, legal advocacy organizations play a vital role in defending rights through litigation and policy intervention. However, legal protections alone do not ensure robust democratic discourse.
Across many social and institutional contexts, individuals report refraining from expressing their views due to fear of social, professional, or reputational consequences. These non-governmental pressures—shaped by cultural norms, workplace dynamics, and informal social sanctions—can suppress debate long before any formal censorship occurs. A persistent gap exists between formal rights and lived expressive freedom, limiting democratic participation even in environments where speech is legally protected.
Outcome
We enhance both perceived and actual freedom of expression, support more inclusive and equitable participation in democratic discourse, and reduce the informal pressures that discourage open debate.
Our Work Delivers Actionable Recommendations
We work alongside organizations such as FIRE, the ACLU, NCAC, and PEN America, but rather than focusing on litigating free speech violations, we concentrate on pre-conflict dynamics—informal norms and professional anxieties that deter open discourse despite strong formal protections.
Free Speech in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is reshaping free expression by influencing how speech is created, amplified, moderated, and suppressed. We study AI-driven censorship, transparency, and power concentration, producing interdisciplinary research and public education to help policymakers and citizens safeguard free speech and democratic norms in an automated public sphere.
Free Speech in Our Learning Institutions
Free speech is central to higher education and democratic citizenship. Universities must protect open debate and intellectual challenge without requiring endorsement of ideas. We provide research-based frameworks and recommendations to help institutions foster open inquiry, respectful disagreement, and intellectual development.
