Freer Speech was founded in San Francisco in August 2023 in the wake of the Davis Library incident, where women’s First Amendment rights were compromised. The organization was created to ensure that difficult or controversial conversations can happen openly, safely, and respectfully.Freer Speech seeks to platform speakers and viewpoints that may be unpopular or contentious and are often shut down, particularly in libraries, colleges, and other community venues. Our mission reflects this commitment. Departing from the current climate of censorship and self-censorship, Freer Speech returns to the true spirit of free expression in America: that people should be able to voice ideas, even ones some may consider controversial or offensive, without being shouted down, threatened, or prevented from speaking. Writers and artists should not fear losing their livelihoods or personal safety because of their work. We believe the best response to speech we do not like is, and always has been, more speech. Freer Speech is a forum for programs and speakers that highlight censorship in our institutions, the policing of language from both left and right, and the importance of free expression in civic life.