Universities and the Prospect of Protecting Free Expression
Author: Andrew Volat
In a system where the people have the ability to govern themselves, it is essential to equip them with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to make effective decisions. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt once stated, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”
Yet the role of higher education in democracies goes far beyond simply providing citizens with the tools to make informed decisions. Universities provide students with a safe space to freely share their perspectives and have their voices amplified. Furthermore, they allow students the opportunity to hear and value other perspectives. In essence, universities embody the fundamental principles on which democracy is built. If we ever need a reminder of how a democracy is meant to promote free expression, we should look to universities as an example.
And now, more than ever, we need that reminder. We are living through a deeply divisive period in American politics. The division plaguing American democracy has created an extremely hostile political climate. Whether face-to-face or online, it is common to see someone confronted brusquely for sharing their beliefs. We have lost the desire to listen to and understand perspectives different from our own.
In a time when many Americans feel unheard and scared to speak out, it is essential universities remain safe spaces. It is the responsibility of both students and faculty to foster this safe environment by truly listening, appreciating, and considering the perspectives of their peers. By creating this safe space, students will feel free to speak up without fear or judgement–an opportunity that has, unfortunately, become rare in today's climate.
The fate of free expression rests with young American students. Incoming college students should feel excited at the prospect of creating and entering an environment where everyone feels heard and respected. For those pursuing higher education, it is not merely a responsibility, but a unique opportunity to protect free expression–an essential pillar of democracy.
Bibliography
Roosevelt, Franklin D. “Message for American Education Week.” September 27, 1938. The American Presidency Project. Accessed September 27, 2025. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/message-for-american-education-week.
