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Greg: Brandeis’ Censorship Problem Didn’t Begin with Hirsi Ali
Last week, Brandeis University reversed its decision to grant an honorary degree to women’s rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali because of her criticism of Islam. It is unfortunate that Brandeis’ class of 2014 was denied the opportunity to hear Hirsi Ali speak at commencement, but the controversy is a symptom of a much deeper problem—both at Brandeis and across the country. FIRE President Greg Lukianoff puts the incident in context in an article for The Huffington Post today with a reminder of Brandeis’ worrying past on free speech issues and of what’s at stake for the future.
Recent Articles
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Outside a New Jersey immigration detention center, reporting on protests may cost you a hospital visit
FIRE continues to survey and report on violations of individual rights, making sure protesters and journalists alike do not face punishment for exercising their First Amendment rights.
New Jersey school board shuts down speaker for discussing his own ethics complaint
FIRE sent a letter to a New Jersey school board that apparently decided public discussion of complaints against it is only acceptable when the board likes what’s being said.
Ida B. Wells: Journalist, activist, civil rights icon, and free speech hero
In 1892, a mob destroyed a Memphis newspaper after it published an anti lynching editorial. Through death threats and violence, they tried to erase journalist Ida B. Wells’s message. Instead, they made her fight impossible to ignore.
Victory: Wisconsin school board backs away from ban on criticism during public comment
Residents do not need to agree with public officials to speak at a government meeting.