Why Free Speech is the Only Safe Place for Minorities

Jonathan Rauch 
First Amendment Scholar and Best-Selling Author 

Jonathan Rauch begins his presentation with a powerful statement: “The greatest idea in the history of human civilization is the idea that we are better off, personally and as a society, if we not only tolerate but actively protect speech and thought that is wrong-headed, offensive, bigoted, seditious, blasphemous, critical of the authorities, or just in dissent.” Rauch traces the trend of protecting certain groups from hateful comments that has moved from the “hostile workplace doctrine” to the “safe space doctrine.” This has led to more rules on college campuses about what is allowed to be said – in some cases, this trend has even led to the firing of professors. The central premise of his talk is that the safe space doctrine is a bad idea and especially bad for minorities. Rauch is the author of six books, including “Gay Marriage: Why It is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America” and “Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought.” 

Recorded: April 20, 2016