Nadine Strossen

Legal scholar and free speech advocate Nadine Strossen discusses defending pornography, hate speech, and changes in the ACLU. Topics include generational divides on harmful words, campus speech codes, and the decision to remain child-free. Strossen reflects on her career, historical debates on free speech, defending controversial content, and navigating complexities in education and civil liberties. The conversation delves into internal ACLU conflicts, evolving feminism, and promoting open dialogue and diverse expression.

Delving into controversies surrounding pornography and free speech, the podcast explores a thought experiment involving an academic in adult videos. It discusses personal freedom, professional reputation, and the impact of sexual taboos, emphasizing the complexities of defending the right to pornography.

In an engaging discussion, Mary Anne Franks, a George Washington University Law professor, and Alex Morey from FIRE tackle the complexities of free speech on campus, especially amid heated political debates. Keith Whittington, also from Yale, critiques the challenges faculty face regarding expression. Nadine Strossen and Jonathan Turley delve into the legal landscape of free speech, while Kenji Yoshino from NYU highlights the role of social media in moderating discourse. Together, they explore the balance between protecting free speech and addressing harmful narratives.

Nadine Strossen, a prominent legal scholar and former ACLU president, dives deep into the intricate debates surrounding pornography and free speech. She contrasts anti-porn feminist arguments with pro-censorship stances, advocating for evidence-based dialogue. Strossen addresses the impact of censorship on sexual expression and sex workers, stressing the need for individual rights and safety. Her insights challenge societal norms and encourage listeners to consider diverse feminist perspectives on pornography and its implications for women's autonomy.

Greg Lukianoff, an attorney and CEO of FIRE, teams up with Nadine Strossen, a former ACLU president and law professor, to discuss their co-authored book, 'The War on Words.' They tackle flawed claims like 'words are violence' and emphasize the importance of free speech for empowering minorities. The duo delves into the realities of campus deplatforming, counter-speech, and the historical context of censorship, arguing for the preservation of viewpoint diversity and the fundamental principles of free expression.