On Sept. 9, Jonathan Friedman will serve as the opening keynote speaker of the USM Forum on American Democracy. Now in its second year, the Forum turns its focus to freedom of speech — its foundations in democratic society and the challenges it faces today. Friedman serves as Sy Syms managing director of U.S. free expression programs at PEN America, where he leads national advocacy for the freedom to write, read, and learn. He compiled this reading list for those looking to explore the theme further.
1. “Try to Love the Questions: From Debate to Dialogue in Classrooms and Life” by Lara Schwartz
An essential guide to the First Amendment and its application to academic discussions on campus. Great for faculty and students alike thinking about how to foster dialogue and engage in debate, especially in the college classroom.
2. “Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media” by Jacob Mchangama
This detailed volume traces the idea of free speech from antiquity to the present, offering a compelling analysis of how this value has been realized in different societies. Although it may always have some drawbacks, the book is essential for understanding why free speech is necessary to democratic societies.
3. “From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act: A History of the Fight for Free Speech in America” by Christopher Finan
Free speech does not happen automatically; it has been fought for by advocates to protect the freedom to write, read, learn — above all, the right to seek and receive information. This 20th century history of the fight for free speech in the United States is a vital companion for anyone trying to understand this history and grapple with this ongoing fight today.
4. “Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship” by Nadine Strossen.
The expression of bigotry, hate, and racism is a challenge to pluralistic democracy, whether it is officially permitted or not. But there is danger to free speech in excessive regulation of hate speech, too. Here, Strossen, former leader of the ACLU, explains why it is better to respond to hate with speech, than with censorship, for the better protection of our rights.
5. “Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech For All” by Suzanne Nossel
Free speech requires principles that can be upheld consistently, and that is the crux of this book, which offers key ideas for protecting the space for speech in a variety of settings, including college campuses and online. The book deals with some of the complications of celebrity culture, “cancellation” and other issues unique to contemporary social media.
6. “Free Speech on Campus” by Erwin Chemerinsky and Howard Gillman
An authoritative guide to how to approach free speech on campus and why our colleges and universities must remain open to the widest array of views. The book entwines vital practical advice, grounded in First Amendment and free expression precepts.
7. “Campus Speech and Academic Freedom: A Guide to Difficult Times” by Erwin Chemerinsky and Howard Gillman
In this recent sequel, Chemerinsky and Gillman return with incisive analysis of free speech issues on campuses, focusing in greater depth on academic freedom principles, reflective of ongoing contemporary debates.
8. “The ABA Right to Read Handbook: Fighting Book Bans and Why It Matters” by Philomena Polephrone and the American Booksellers Association
For those looking for a primer on the current state of book banning in American public schools, this short guide offers a handy introduction. It also provides detailed guidance on how to get involved in the fight for the freedom to read in local school boards, essential for those ready to support the cause.
9. “You Can’t Say That!: Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell” by Leonard S. Marcus et al.
In this collection of essays, a dozen authors who write for children reflect on the experience of having their work challenged and banned, and the implications of this censorship for young people. The wide-ranging essays offer thoughtful observations about the freedom to read as a core right of all that ought to be protected to the utmost.
10. “Banned Books: The World’s Most Controversial Books Past and Present” by DK Publishing
This anthology offers succinct summaries of books that have been banned in Western history, including numerous literary classics. As a whole, it’s an unparalleled, accessible reference to what books tend to be banned and why, offering important insights amid the rise of book bans in the United States today.