The Free Speech Movement

The Free Speech Movement (FSM) emerged in the 1960s at the University of California, Berkeley, as a student-led campaign advocating for the right to free speech and academic freedom. It arose in response to university restrictions on political activities and the civil rights movement. Students organized protests and sit-ins demanding the ability to express political views on campus. The movement gained national attention, influencing other universities and contributing to broader social changes in the U.S. It emphasized the importance of free expression and laid the groundwork for future activism, shaping the discourse around civil liberties and student rights.