Free Expression

Scope

Applies to ideas of all kinds, including those that may be deeply offensive.

Purpose

Enables dialogue, builds understanding, increases public knowledge, allows questioning of governments for accountability, and prepares students for the future of work by teaching uniquely human skills.

Definition

The freedom to express one's ideas and opinions without fear of government restriction or action, encompassing the right to speak, be heard, participate in political, artistic, and social life, and to seek, receive, and share information through any media.

Limitations

Can be legitimately restricted if it violates the rights of others, advocates hatred, incites discrimination or violence, or disrupts specific environments (e.g., classrooms). Restrictions must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.

Foundational Right

Essential for the enjoyment and protection of all human rights.

Model Institution for Free Expression

University of Chicago (referenced by Dartmouth President Sian Beilock)

1791-12-15

Freedom of expression is the freedom for us all to express ourselves. It is the right to speak, to be heard, and to participate in political, artistic, and social life. It also includes the ‘right to know’: the right to seek, receive, and share information through any media. When you share your views or seek out information, online or off, you’re exercising your right to freedom of expression. [...] Freedom of expression is a foundational right, meaning it is essential for the enjoyment and protection of all human rights. With the right to freedom of expression, every person, every community, and every society can ask for the most fundamental things they need. Like water, food, shelter, and clean air. Healthcare, education for our kids, decent work, and fair wages. [...] Freedom of expression enables dialogue, builds understanding, and increases public knowledge. When we can freely exchange ideas and information, our knowledge improves, which benefits our communities and societies. Freedom of expression also enables us to question our governments, which helps to keep them accountable. Questioning and debate are healthy – they lead to better policies and more stable societies.

“Freedom of expression” means that you have the right to express your ideas and opinions without fear that the government is going to restrict your expression or take action against you for expressing your ideas. As a public college, PCC is a government entity and must comply with the First Amendment. Freedom of expression is protected under the First Amendment, and is one of the most important rights in the United States Constitution. [...] While the First Amendment is quite broad, there are some limits on where you can engage in free expression, how you can engage in free expression, and what you can express. At PCC, the right to freedom of expression is different depending on the area of campus, and what other activities are occurring. For instance, a student is allowed to pass out leaflets in certain public areas of the campus, but could not do so during class because that would disrupt the classroom environment. [...] Everybody has the same right to freedom of expression, and that means that you may hear ideas or opinions that you don’t agree with or that offend you. That is part of living in a society that protects free speech and expression. If you hear ideas or opinions that are offensive, you can choose to peacefully respond with your own ideas or walk away. To support our community, PCC has student counseling and other support services available. Here are more resources about how you can respond to

Freedom of speech, or freedom of expression, applies to ideas of all kinds, including those that may be deeply offensive. While international law protects free speech, there are instances where speech can legitimately restricted under the same law – such as when it violates the rights of others, or, advocates hatred and incites discrimination or violence. [...] The right to freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which sets out in broad terms the human rights that each of us has. It was later protected legally by a raft of international and regional treaties. [...] Governments have a duty to prohibit hateful, inciteful speech but many abuse their authority to silence peaceful dissent by passing laws criminalizing freedom of expression. This is often done in the name of counterterrorism, national security or religion. More recently, freedom of expression has come under threat by authorities clamping down on activists, NGOs and individuals helping refugees and migrants.

: the right to express one's opinions freely ## Examples of freedom of expression in a Sentence Recent Examples on the Web Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.