About Free Speech Week
Created in 2005 and originally called National Freedom of Speech Week, Free Speech Week (FSW) takes place the third week of October annually. Its purpose is to raise public awareness of the importance of freedom of speech and of a free press in our democracy – and to celebrate that freedom. This non-partisan, non-ideological event is intended to be a unifying celebration.
HIGHLIGHTED FSW ’22 EVENTS
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Find a Lesson Plan
Find a Lesson Plan
For educators elementary through high school, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite freedom of speech and freedom of the press lesson plans from around the web.
Learn More HereFamous Quotes
Free Speech and Freedom of the Press Quotes
Here are some historical and famous free speech and press freedom quotes to inspire in modern times.
Share A FavoritePast Select Activities
Select Past Activities
In 2018, to honor Free Speech Week, the City Club of Cleveland commissioned three original murals by local artists for it's "Free Speech Mural Project." These murals were subsequently installed throughout the city to invite Clevelanders to consider the role free speech plays in their civic landscape.
Read more Past Select ActivitiesFirst Amendment Milestones
Courtesy of the NAB, take a look at some examples of how journalists have exercised freedom of the press throughout time.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”