Free Speech 2023

The grit and determination of female trailblazers past and present has paved the way for female politicians and female centered legislation. 

When you think of freedom of speech, you often first consider the right to say what you feel. But free speech extends beyond this expression; it is an avenue to being understood and seen.

Afghan and Iranian communities both on and off campus continue to fight for free speech in their home countries, pushing past obstacles to advocate for each other. 

Tucked away just east of Sather Tower sits Stephens Hall, a space that is home to the ethnic studies department and the departmental library, both which play an integral part in UC Berkeley’s history of civil disobedience. 

Developing an open mind and coming to the realization that free speech is not limited to people with the same beliefs as me can be attributed to one thing: journalism.

Many platforms work to feed people the content that will yield the most engagement in order to keep people scrolling. But the speed and precision at which people are targeted has amplified polarization and outrage.

The reluctance of people to listen to dissenting opinions often reinforces their false understandings. However, disagreement can be instructive and transformational. Research from UC Berkeley professors and others shed light on why we disagree and how it can refine and strengthen one’s beliefs. 

The Free Speech Movement Cafe, or FSM Cafe, officially opened on Feb 3. 2000. The Cafe commemorates the Free Speech Movement, which originated on campus in 1964, and the legacy of Mario Savio. 

Given the FIA’s new rule regarding freedom of speech, maybe Netflix should consider changing next season’s name to Drive and ShutUp to Survive.

The Raiders’ history of social activism began with their iconic owner Al Davis. Once described as “the NFL’s middle finger,” Davis and the Oakland Raiders fearlessly led the way for racial equality.