Free Speech

Free Speech

Challenges & Opportunities

Available to teachers only as part of the Teaching Free Speech Teacher Pass


Teaching Free Speech Teacher Pass includes:

  • Assignments & Activities
  • Reading Quizzes
  • Current Events & Pop Culture articles
  • Discussion & Essay Questions
  • Challenges & Opportunities
  • Related Readings in Literature & History

Sample of Challenges & Opportunities


The Knight Foundation's most recent First Amendment survey (they conduct it every 5 years or so), suggests that nearly a quarter of students surveyed in 2016 believe that the First Amendment goes too far. That, however, represents an 11% drop since 2004, when 35% of students felt the First Amendment was too generous. And other areas of the survey also indicated that students are leaning more toward protecting speech—even when it's offensive or unpopular—than they were a decade or so ago. But how do your students feel? 

As you discuss these issues, be sure to survey your students about their general views of the First Amendment. You may also explore with them why it is that students seem to be more inclined toward free speech today than in the past. Has technology played a role in this evolution? We're guessing that's topic they may have a few thoughts on.