FIRE is looking into the severe disruption of a @YaleLawSch discussion on a Supreme Court 1A case. Protesters stomped, shouted, and pounded the walls. Forcing the cancellation of speech you disagree with isn’t free speech—it’s an illiberal heckler's veto.
2/ It’s disturbing to see those studying at a prestigious law school prevent the discussion of civil liberties and free speech issues. Effective legal advocacy requires engaging with opposing viewpoints, even those that are unpopular or offensive.
3/ FIRE would happily defend protestors displaying signs, hosting competing events, and engaging opposing speakers during Q&A sessions to express their disagreement. But preventing speakers from being heard by shouting them down and drowning them out is not free speech.
4/ Behavior that is rewarded will be repeated. Students must remain free to hold expressive events without fear of substantial disruption. We call upon @YaleLawSch to live up to its own promises and ensure that students are free to hear the widest array of speakers on campus.
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