What is free speech?

What is free speech?

Freedom of speech is one of the most important freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. This fundamental civil liberty ensures that individuals can express their opinions without government censorship or punishment. It is a core principle underlying any democracy and free society.

Decades of legal precedent have largely upheld this right as sacrosanct. Except in a limited number of circumstances, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have the right to express their opinions freely, even in most cases in which the speech is offensive, false, or hateful. 

In the United States, freedom of speech has helped build a government and society based on debate and deliberation, rather than one based on repression and violence. While this right may at times expose Americans to hurtful or upsetting language and ideas, it also guarantees our rights to share our own ideas and language without fear of governmental interference.

Why are we talking about free speech?

The recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and lawful permanent resident, has raised urgent questions about free speech in the United States today – questions that are reverberating across the Jewish community. 

This week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Mr. Khalil, and the Trump Administration stated its intention to revoke his Green Card and deport him on the grounds that he allegedly “led activities aligned to Hamas.” A judge temporarily