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From defenders to skeptics: The sharp decline in young Americans’ support for free speech

  • Written by Jacob Mchangama, Research Professor of Political Science and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, Vanderbilt University
imageSupport among young people for allowing controversial or offensive speech has dropped sharply.J Studios/Getty Images

For much of the 20th century, young Americans were seen as free speech’s fiercest defenders. But now, young Americans are growing more skeptical of free speech.

According to a March 2025 report by The Future of Free Speech, a...

Read more: From defenders to skeptics: The sharp decline in young Americans’ support for free speech

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