Does Free Speech in High School Matter?

Join us for a conversation with James Fishback of Incubate Debate on Thursday, 9/28 8PM EST!

"Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech."

- Benjamin Franklin 1722  Silence DoGood, New England Courant

Censorship is alive and well across our country, from the halls of medical schools, to corporate america, to the classrooms in our children’s schools. Free debate is being dangerously stifled, as

James Fishback

founder of

Incubate Debate

wrote in his 2-part Free Press series beginning with May’s At High School Debates, Debate is No Longer Allowed, followed by June’s At High School Debates, Watch What you Say.

Debate is a skill that empowers the speaker to persuasively present evidence, politely argue in support of her viewpoints and help to further important conversations without escalating into ad hominem attacks.

Increasingly, it seems that Americans are being told that words are violence, that speech is to be policed.

We are living in a society polarized by incendiary headlines and social media acrimony, with civil discourse left by the wayside.  Nowhere is this more evident than in our nation’s schools, and, as James Fishback has revealed, in high school debate. 

 

How can healthy debate be taught and encouraged? Amongst adults? Amongst students?

Join us on Thursday September 28 at 8 PM EST at X Spaces for a conversation with Fishback and three high school debaters. We will discuss how censorship has crept into our nation’s high schools, and explore ways to help restore freedom of thought and freedom of speech.

Our three high schoolers will share their experiences with classroom censorship, discuss the challenges they've faced in voicing their opinions, and offer insights into the impact of an echo chamber-like environment on their education and personal growth. 

Looking forward to a candid conversation that delves deeply into the realities of today's educational landscape from the perspective of those most directly affected.

High Schoolers Speak Out Against Classroom Censorship  9/28 at 8PM EST.

Best,

Dana & Natalya