The SkyePod French Friday: The Christian Case for Free Speech
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Sep 26, 2025 
David French, a constitutional attorney and champion of free speech, joins Skye Jethani to explore the Christian case for free speech. They discuss the implications of the Trump administration's actions on free speech and the dangers of viewpoint discrimination. French emphasizes how defending unpopular speech is crucial for democracy, and he connects the First Amendment to biblical principles of human dignity. The conversation also touches on the importance of persuasion in Christian witness and the generational shifts in attitudes toward free speech.
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Law School Hostility Sparked His Mission
- David French recounts hostile experiences at Harvard Law where conservatives were shouted down and threatened for forming pro-life and religious liberty groups.
- Those encounters sparked his lifelong commitment to defending the First Amendment through litigation and advocacy.
Defend Speech Regardless Of Viewpoint
- French explains his transition from commercial litigation to leading FIRE to defend free speech broadly and without ideological tests.
- He emphasizes defending speech even when he personally disagrees with the viewpoint.
Tone Policing Masks Viewpoint Discrimination
- French describes how institutions often punish speakers unevenly by policing tone rather than viewpoint.
- He argues the First Amendment protects expression even when it's rude or unpopular, not just well-expressed views.