Greg Lukianoff examines free speech and open dialogue in an increasingly polarized world
Written by Rosemary Frank; photos by Desmond Kisida
Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, discussed free expression in an age of polarization during his visit to Mizzou on October 8, at the State Historical Society of Missouri.
“The circle of places where free speech once thrived is shrinking,” said Lukianoff, addressing campus and community members. “The global political environment is becoming increasingly polarized.”
A renowned First Amendment attorney, free speech advocate, and author, Lukianoff explored topics of free speech and expression, open dialogue, and the implications for democracy.
“Free speech makes us safer, allowing us to settle disputes with words instead of violence,” said Lukianoff. “It also protects the powerless because it guarantees that everyone has a voice.”
An interview moderated by Brian Kisida, director of the Open Minds Initiative and associate professor in the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, preceded a question-and-answer session with students.
“Throughout history, we have seen that attacks and war often result from people's inability to communicate effectively or reach a solution,” said Emma Ahrens, a Mizzou political science major who plans to attend law school. “Actual violence comes when words are no longer being used.”
“Instead of labeling thoughts or words as dangerous, Lukianoff said we should challenge them with logic,” said Annabel Butler, a sophomore studying political science. “It’s interesting to think that protecting people from uncomfortable ideas could cause more damage over time.”
A New York Times best-selling author, Lukianoff has authored and co-authored several books and papers on campus censorship and free speech including “The Coddling of the American Mind,” with Jonathan Haidt; “The Canceling of the American Mind,” with Rikki Schlott: and, most recently, “The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail,” with Nadine Strossen.
Lukianoff’s lecture was a featured Open Minds Initiative presentation. The initiative is led by Mizzou’s College of Arts and Science to strengthen the promise of higher education through open dialogue, to bridge ideological differences, and promote the values of democracy.
“We're living in a time of deep political polarization which threatens our ability to work and live with each other, and more importantly, threatens our ability to uphold our cherished democratic principles,” said Kisida. “The goal of Open Minds is to help us engage with our differences constructively, find common ground, and have open and civil conversations about our disagreements. Tolerance for different viewpoints is an essential principle of democratic citizenship.”