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About

“Without being exposed to disagreement, how would we be able to work out if we’re right or wrong?” - Inaya Folarin Iman

We are kept going by donations, large and small and a contribution from you will make a huge difference to us. You can donate to us here.

What we do

 Space

Free Speech Champions creates a space for free thinking in which there are no forbidden topics.

We share our enthusiasm for free speech by creating opportunities to discuss the merits and controversies of free speech, in schools, universities and online spaces. 

We host events where the meaning of free speech can be brought to life and help others do the same.

Voice

We help young people develop their ideas and express their voice.

We develop and share the information, ideas and arguments about free speech needed to inspire the next generation of its importance, online and in-person.

We hold the line, defending the space for free speech for ourselves and for others; campaigning alongside those who wish to expand opportunities for the free exchange of ideas.

Collaborate

We collaborate with and support individuals, groups and organisations from across the social, political and ideological spectrum to expand knowledge and understanding of free speech as a universal value.

What we stand for

  1. We are willing and able to discuss all ideas.
    No idea – the good, the bad or the ugly – is off limits for us. We start from the premise that no one has all the answers, we all get things wrong and each of us has a piece of the puzzle that makes up the bigger picture.
  2. We conduct ourselves with a spirit of generosity, curiosity and courage. We assume good faith in all discussions, we encourage daring questions and we admire bold thinking.
  3. We advocate and stand up for tolerance and value moral independence. We believe that every individual has the capacity to think for themselves, weigh up competing ideas and to make judgements.
  4. We forge connections with others who share our commitment to free speech. We believe democracy flourishes and solidarity grows when people build vibrant and dynamic communities around a common purpose.

Why

Free speech has proven to be a contentious issue throughout history, as people have fought for the right to express their views and powerful forces have fought to limit their freedom to do this.

But freedom of speech is a universal right and is essential to fostering not only a tolerant and open society, but curious and courageous individuals.

We all benefit from open enquiry and engaging widely with ideas. Upholding the values of free thinking and free expression is vital to enrich knowledge and understanding and advance good citizenship.

While there exist some legal and regulatory protections on free speech, it must be both believed in and embodied to thrive.

Today, too often, the spaces that exist to ensure a vibrant intellectual life, a place to exchange ideas and a space to express freely and openly – schools, universities and online communities – are where free speech is most under challenge. This is leading to self-censorship and a greatly diminished civic, educational and cultural life.

Human progress relies on imaginative thinking. Yesterday’s heretics can become today’s heroes. We need to both honour the ideas of the past and interrogate them – and be free to re-articulate them for ourselves in the present.

Our story

Free Speech Champions was initiated by Inaya Folarin Iman and developed in collaboration with the Free Speech Union and the Battle of Ideas charity. Inaya quickly formed a network of young people who share her passion for freedom and after long discussions and lots of late nights, the Free Speech Champions project was born.

The Free Speech Union (FSU)

FSU is a non-partisan, mass-membership public interest body which stands up for the speech rights of its members and campaigns for free speech more widely. 

The Battle of Ideas (boi) charity

The Battle of Ideas charity was established to advance education and good citizenship, particularly by providing forums for discussion and debate and by promoting ideas of tolerance and participation in democracy.

Meet the people

Inaya Folarin Iman
Founding Project Director
Izzy Posen
Founding Champion
“I will be graduating in the summer with an integrated, joint-honours masters in physics and philosophy from the University of Bristol. During my time at university, I founded the Bristol Free Speech Society and have campaigned and written about free-speech related issues. I am passionate about this project as it is the first national effort, led by students, to make sure that our universities remain (or go back to being) places for the uncompromising and relentless search for truth.”
Brad Strotten
Founding Champion
“I'm currently studying for a Masters in Modern and Contemporary Literature at the University of Manchester. I was born and raised in a working-class family in Kent. Intellectual uncertainty and a natural curiosity towards new ideas are what makes free speech so important to me. Free speech enables you to navigate the waters of uncertainty and to experiment with new ideas without fear.”
Nastassja Findley
Founding Champion
"I am a 26-year-old from London with a long standing interest in exploring ideas. My degree in Philosophy from the University of Sheffield proved to me the value in questioning even ideas with broad consensus, and also hearing unpopular opinions. I am committed to this project's ambition to promote free speech for young people. If we talk and debate with people, even if we strongly disagree with them, we are surely more likely to create opponents than enemies."
Ollie Cray
Founding Champion
“I am a film student in Manchester. I am British but grew up in France near Geneva, Switzerland. I became involved in this project due to my passion for freedom and its most vital safeguard - freedom of expression.”
Rob Lownie
Founding Champion
“I'm a 21-year-old undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh, studying English Literature, and a freelance journalist. I am also fascinated by the history of literary censorship, the banning of books for either moral or political reasons, and the extent to which the problem still exists.”
Zara Qureshi
Founding Champion
“I'm 22 and I've always been very curious about ideas. I love investigating things and trying to answer some of life's toughest questions. I also enjoy talking to people from all sorts of backgrounds and engaging with others in open discussions to find out more about the world we live in. I'm passionate about this project because I think it is an incredibly powerful way to educate others and pass on important information to those who wish to make the most out of intellectual discussions, academia and even informal conversations with their friends, families and colleagues.”
Luke Oldfield
Founding Champion
“I am a 26-year-old Mancunian who loves the outdoors, football, politics, and above all, a stimulating conversation. My Christian faith has recently become a big part of my life and has a part to play in my increasing recognition of the importance of free speech. I also see the Christian values of speaking truth, but with compassion and understanding, echoed in the character of this project.”
Dylan Cade
Founding Champion