Big Think Free speech, explained by Greg Lukianoff
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Aug 2, 2025 
Greg Lukianoff is the President and CEO of FIRE, an organization dedicated to protecting free speech, particularly on college campuses. He discusses how societal culture is crucial for sustaining free speech, beyond just legal frameworks. The conversation highlights the alarming shift in campus culture toward censorship, where both students and administrators now often demand restrictions on expression. Lukianoff emphasizes the need for a culture that values listening and tolerance to truly protect free speech in society.
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First Amendment Speech Exceptions
- The First Amendment broadly protects free speech, including offensive speech.
- Exceptions include true threats, incitement, defamation, and severe discriminatory harassment.
Free Speech Culture Matters
- Free speech culture, comprising social norms, often protects speech even before law does.
- Norms like "everyone's entitled to their opinion" help sustain free expression.
Student Shift on Free Speech
- Until 2013-14, students generally supported free speech more than university administrators.
- Suddenly, students began demanding censorship; students and administrators aligned against open expression.
