Freedom of Speech Versus Identity Politics

Engraved portraits of the signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The signers of the Declaration of Independence understood the importance of free speech. Kean Collection/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Commentary

Much evidence suggests that freedom of speech may be banned in the coming years under the guise of regulating “hate speech.” Many on the left who demand and welcome this development do not foresee the broad consequences of their actions. Nor do many defenders of free speech sufficiently examine the left’s reasons for banning it.