Free Expression Under Fire

How can we rebuild a culture of free expression?As America approaches its 250th anniversary,free speechandpress freedomface unprecedented threats from campus censorship, social media content moderation, and government pressure campaigns. From college students afraid to voice opinions in class to journalists facing investigations, theFirst Amendmentfoundations of American democracy are under multiple threats in ways the Founders never imagined. Stuart N. Brotman, America's leading public scholar onfree expression, takes complex constitutional issues out of academic ivory towers and makes them accessible to everyday Americans navigating these turbulent times. Having served on the faculties of leading universities at home and abroad, and on legal teams in notable Supreme Court cases, Brotman provides insider insights into how campus speech policies backfire, why tech platforms make controversial content decisions, and what happens when governments attempt to regulate on-air and online expression. Perfect for readers ofThe Constitution of Knowledgeby Jonathan Rauch andThe Fight for Free Speechby Ian Rosenberg, this urgent examination reveals why protectingconstitutional rightsrequires more than legal victories—it demands rebuilding a durable free expression culture that values open debate. From landmark Pentagon Papers to contemporary social media controversies, fromcampus free speechconflicts to global internet freedom battles, Brotman shows how historical lessons can guide us through current challenges. AsAmerica 250celebrations begin, discover why free expression isn't just about protecting rights—it's about safeguarding the democratic experiment itself for future generations.