information on events. facebook.com/become tv. >> next, greg argues that america's university and college campuses stifle free speech. it's about 45 minutes. ...

>> for my 20th high school reunion. but i am here to talk about the book and how free-speech is curtailed and how it harms us all. why did i write it? because i went to law school and stanford specifically it has been a passion my entire life. of russian father and i came from that background to realize everybody could say what they want to.

that the government could decide. my mom or my dad is then turned? so i say the history and i did six additional credits of way of design of history and freedom of speech. i was utterly a prepared for what i would see college campuses. i feel like i am begging my head against the wall writing articles about this my entire career and people said they get in trouble and they have a speech code and people talk to each other because they are afraid and

what is the big deal? that is a terrifying question and "unlearning liberty" is my response tuesday an american ally of matters. the book opens with haden barnes and environmentalist didn't. decorated cmt and he is the believer of non-aggression and environmental list. he was protesting a parking garage for environmental reasons. he thought there were other ways to deal with it and wrote the board of regents handed angered the president. a couple years before

something similar happened and and is stopped him from getting the project establish. so he had hated come to his office and really gave it to him and let his opinion be down. this is the public university in georgette bound by the first amendment. but zacarias started to look into his background this came out during discovery that he ordered they look into natives religion and psychological records and medical records to make the case for punishing the student and kick him out. hated was little upset to sell in protest he made a collage dish to be put on

facebook no blood for oil, and once the stock was falling down on the job named it the zechariah parking dried j. and the president thought this would be his legacy. he was already looking for excuses to take him out. he flips the note to undo the door to say with the call why should it is proof he was a clear and present danger to the campus. [laughter] and if anybody really wants to think he was day threat

to but they did not leave even was the threat. you do not slip a note under the door. [laughter] so that case opens the book. so what was spectacular is what i have got used to. i also talked at length about the university of delaware as one of the most invasive programs i have never seen. and to be on the right side of history they defend it to this day with mandatory programs to stand on one wall if you have this a bid and so security security, affirmative-action or the other wall and with made the terry -- bad to try

questionnaires but and blood beyond freshman responded responded, it is not your business. i have a chapter but i have my first article in the year times on thursday. they really wanted me to focus on e the to colleges. but i mention one case that this ply i was surprised that harvard and yale that is sunday play, and football. but they like to make fun of each other and have pretty

crude slogans on teachers. one is that you cannot spell harvard without vd. [laughter] but they tried to go highbrow but they took the 1920 book from of scott fitzgerald. very pretentious explaining why i go to princeton and then said we agreed. [laughter] so they went highbrow and were banned from having this t-shirt as the anti-gay slurs. but where does he come from? that is not the way it was meant in the book. that is not of scott this juror.

[laughter] but help me out here but to my knowledge and the betty under the age of 50 is this is the -- assist the if i call anybody i know this is the they make fun of themselves. but this was on the teacher. but the promises you should mention the unmentionable and think the unthinkable that it is during free-speech language but f. scott the strobes book was one step too far. of was proud of the fact at the same time there was of peace. the bright part article and making the point* of the different presidential debates including hofstra

have speech goes better ridiculous i had fun pointing out if you would apply these to the presidential candidates by the planeload day -- the plain language they could of got in trouble. i really wish they would enforce them. the resents speech codes survive is there kept it a back door when they are needed. otherwise they would not last a day. they are so broadly worded everybody is guilty of violating them. i assume most of you know, the law is extremely protective. extremely protective of three speech period. by case is coming out the 1970 s, the supreme court

was clear the university cannot restrict even highly offensive speech. there has been over one doesn't the gold pit and scientologist to the speech codes over decades and every single one has resulted universities vague forced by a court of law to abandon their speech code. nevertheless of 392 campuses that we surveyed they maintain those that violate freedom of speech. one example, we have been able to do we have done it

in every single month. we are in no danger. these are unconstitutional. jackson state university university, and no student show not threaten offend or degrade dined any own operated property the. >> every one of view is guilty of doing this there was a code that included the definition of harassment inappropriate directed laughter. [laughter] where did you direct that? again everybody is violating

that but i do seal the fare at -- the parallels are strong and the gulf coast university this expressions deemed inappropriate. please do check out the buck. and there is more whacky political crisis -- cases was the one in indiana he was publicly reading a book and accused of public harassment. it was notre dame and eight -- against the klan and celebrates the defeat the because and had the picture of rally related to

the defeat he was found guilty of racial harassment because it made somebody comfortable. he said no. it is the anti-klan book. that is all that mattered. it also applies to the flat out political speech. with houston state university they were made to terror down. and then of course, the phenomenon of free speech zones. and to restrict freedom of speech and tiny areas on campus. my early experience was texas tech where they have

we were contacted by the anti-war students to have they could not get into the gazebo for free-speech activities. 28,000 deny the cboe? a friend has eight math degree from m.i.t. but god forbid of all students wish to express themselves once you'd have to compress them down to the density of uranium 238. [laughter] i was glad that this but he was serious. 2308. [laughter] with a reasonable time place of restrictions they always have that power.

and the university of cincinnati was just this summer. and this speech some sewed to consider to be every speech zone you have to apply 10 days in a pants to protest on soaps day had the back to work initiative and said they could do not do it but the it they were seeing walking around campus the police would be called. it is even worse because this is only being enforced

but the most disturbing thing is the university of cincinnati 2012, i don't think anybody would say it would be constitutional war and the american to have a restriction that onerous but cincinnati went to battle it out with you think it has to do with the very unwise steps by the ohio government to say there is $200,000 allocated to cover the litigation. it was students. think that thurber of this happens all the time. was it as gary things as the beau biden used to this

stuff. but to talk about campus -- campus censorship you think of it. and first, is the chilling defect media there is at all. 99 at of 1,000 will bother per barrel but then why sure it i've bother to be in the plane clinics so students have to worry about talking

about important issues. there is not a single hot button issue that i could not give you several examples of of some one the ninth time of ron message for the bears phenomenon. my eight others is called the silent -- and it never comes up that that is due next a gets in trouble for having the wrong implant -- assignments but a little more reticent to speak their mind? the american association colleges and universities that they went but to have 24,000 students but when

asked the question do think it is safe think of the week line which. myth of a high priest two biffle -- practices. but if you only think this kind of safe cover that means that you don't. but the worst is 35% came out that 40 percent of russians said of course, it this popular to hold on popular views but it went down by 10% and every single year. they only have 30%. but some say it is safe to hold land popular positions. those that know the campus best but something has gone

terribly terribly wrong. to make the argument in the book this leads to low critical think the skills are contributes to it. if you do not have to debate your position you do not understand it very well. at events like this leggett great questions from the students and i have to maintain. this is what is from the book of liberty how even if you are totally right that your opinion is under% right, congratulations. [laughter] you still benefit from spree

them of speech. when you are challenged with the opposing opinion if we still have to face the opinion we told the police for why we believe what we believe. list is bleeding into a larger society. i make the argument. by all accounts we should be living in the golden age. more than ever in american history. if colleges were doing their job and were more liberal minded and better able to think issues third day should live in the ultimate

best time for discourse. does anybody think we live band the cool did age? we are more educated now. but one that is impede being because since are taught to search 10 ways and have to walk on eggshells. what happens is not that people change their minds but don't play it safe. they talk to people that they agree with. but if you with an echo chamber but i do have that piece of research. the more adjudicated the tighter the a good chamber.

when people disagreed politically that is the and inane liberty. you like to seek out the% and that is what this whole society needs to learn. it is a great intellectual have it. the you are 1 million miles for that to put it makes us all a a little bit dumber. but then he pulled up the debate tin discussion whether it is said period test o.r. i call it

selective written missile -- rhodes of december also feigning outrage that the prices prices -- aboya spill projected. but watching a debate on a college campus where there should be a free-speech zone but what type of speech? they wanted to censors speech within the free-speech zone. it is a terrible mess that locate and does not bode well for the future of our rights. students are not at a being taught. with freedom of bonds at --

of six friends. how much do we end? that does not understand them very well either. and the co-founder says most things. [laughter] but the nation that does not educate liberty will not endure liberty and not know when it is lost. that happened i think in the britons i go. before a take questions, i want to give your homework if you accept it. please read the book. the profits do not go to me. it is for the cause of free speech on campus. even if you think you know, the issue will you will be shocked. my new wife losses read the intent but then i was like

awesome. and it has been very well-received. there are cases that will make you angry, horrified angry, horrified, even and laugh out loud. check out your own policies. [laughter] but i'm sorry. check out eurozone zero homes will pause see do not expect censorship as the new normal. but do not except it. i have been so proud may put it free-speech walls even though they are torn down by

students. but to make the point* this guy will not fall. it will be all right. we can talk and be freed people and you would be support -- that nabors is part but it for you to be something to be offended is a small price to pay. fight back, they give listening and i will open for questions. please go to the microphone. sees ben has asked if you have questions, please go to the microphone. >> from the college of new jersey we are fighting back. one thing we are encountering his students and administrators it

appears it is the noble thing to do. that it has saved me from the do-gooders'. do have any advice for students or administrators that tried to hold the moral high ground? >> the homework referred to the campus network freedom a couple of months ago. and one of the points he makes it is in a democracy you down the freedom of speech to have points of view. you need freedom of speech to protect our minority points of view it is always about protecting the

oddball, the little guy or the defender. never apologize. some coats are very paternalistic and argue they should live with freedom and anybody who tells you you are too weak to live with freedom is not your friend. i made a point* of not using it entomology because i wanted to be sure it would re-read. [laughter] there is nothing more eric and then to assume you know, so much about the universe that you can decide where wisdom will come from. even that stupid joke or the op-ed. this happened at harvard and the stanford making fun of them for being anti-second

amendment and people were quoting legal opinions in the 19th century we have never heard of, philosophers , that we had never heard from some people talk about their experiences. and it was a personal deep discussion that we never would have had it not for the provocation. and that is why i never should have said this of the first place. didn't you see what happened? we're talking about things. so free speech has the moral high ground. but i am on the side of niceness. i will never see the power to them. >> i go to america in university.

like a lot of private colleges it has restricted speech codes. i know you talk about the geren tm free-speech but there is a lot in the tools and it is harder to make the speech and the case? >> i don't spend too much time on this be cut is a real clear religion had this right answer the question of what. the first amendment applies to public colleges, not private. and the california it permits the standards but private universities are bound. yale and harvard promise freedom of speech to cooling language and those are forcible contracts in massachusetts and in new york.

not just legally enforceable but the moral power. from columbia and harvard and yale you do not like being called out for violating their own promises. america has been more shoulder shrugging about it and it is good to step up the argument but you hold them against their own values and people know those are wrong. it is a harder fight. >> i am also said american university and however violated free-speech in the that as of model codes from the first amendment? >> we rate colleges with

the system i came up with when it was still a little organization for red light no light or agreed night. these university is really bad the others may say it may not stand up anchor but it is not the worst. is we have 16 green light colleges right now. that is all. that is a little disturbing. but they include dartmouth for example. dartmouth this difference of the bunch of alumni who got together. like cannot point to university with the model speech code but those 16 colleges to see what they do right. >> i am from cardozo law

school. i am curious about a phenomenon over the last 10 years that people express unpopular viewpoints that and so-so of years ago. >> it is clear cut. is analogous to the government's response. a beautiful book talks about 80 you 37 when a mob killed fear rebel -- and

abolitionists. stay destroyed the press because in a a in an but it is in the end of free speech cannot sensory but passed to protect you from the mob. but to make sure the initiation and prevents them from happening because of but to say it is a perfect example when they came together to work as one. washington state university. wrote to a play with his stated goal of defending ever but a. [laughter] he put it everywhere. like do not come.

and it was the absolute goal. that those that were angry with the musical comedy for them to stand up to yell i am offended because that is the point* of the play. [laughter] but it got much worse. it turned into deference which it did predictable. and the university president defended it then next day to say this is a responsible exercise of free speech. it is a great point*.

>> do you see any room for fired two expand into canada? >> you look familiar. >> but i think good depth of a nonprofit is to spread itself too thin. like people if we want to work and let us know noted that and the freedom of conscience issues but canada desperately needs a fire. >> absolutely if anybody wants to start a fire i would get behind them. >> thank you. >> hello.

i go to the most expensive colleges and the country. >> not great with free-speech coats. >> specifically wind health concern cited as a reason for censorship people bring affect free-speech could trigger for dramatic incidents or merely of a gender or a race that could be offended and that is put forth as a reason for censorship. >> a usually make fun of universities for lack of creativity.

at the specter above harassment is from off color jokes to sexual assault prelude cannot make a distinction betrayed a dirty joke a you have to consider priorities. but yes it is true purpose of government requires a minimal amount of tough cents -- toughness so that is bravery on our part. there is no need to apologize. i have one more question the. >> i am a graduate from columbia law school. i want to move but to

perform certain procedures you find their moral, and how can students or alumni work to change the rules? in may be different and budget shocks be i have to say this as bad as it is to say what they cannot say it is much worse to tell people what they have to say and have to believe. there's a chapter talking about some schools of education where students were being required to lobby the government for petitions they did not believe then, in order to graduate.

the best way to fight it is to be in contact because. >> now they use say that, it your own way. how is that not but without after chalet era via it -- evaluating what they need who saw labor pro but paydown soon to yet but for them to blame but they have in their neighbor. publix blusher happens is.

>> beekeeper pro so coming above the 20th high-school reunion, thank you for having me. [applause] tammet novelist james patterson and speaking at miami book fair and with his free it -- bree been program that he has started we want to look at others to see what the efforts are. to begin with j. robinson the chief financial officer group called first book. could you describe what it is? >> i just want to say thank

you for the support to you have given the entire industry and concept of reading literacy and c-span has been a leader and it is wonderful to salute you. the first is nonprofit sell across united states. >> where do you get your funding? >> we started 20 years ago celebrating 100 million books distributed this week we start did 20 minutes ago ever this table and distributed more and more as the year has gone by and in recent years we support

programs across the united states and now over 40,000 for growth funding comes from corporate marketing campaigns that as well as some czars and foundations but we have created the revenue is there a focus? you do there preschoolers of sir being kids in the. class's serve those in the. we have over 1900.

>> after-school programs those are supported. >> man sitting reading it is fundamental we're joined by the president and ceo of reading is fundamental. give us the background and. >> markey mac america who was fined that cap net went to the dead jacqueline kennedy college and she was to have said to tell each spouse legal do something to make washington a better place for the people who live and work here every day. mrs. mcnamara had a reputation to tutor the

wealthy people and lead children from poor economic backgrounds. she found one day how much it meant to be given a book she bought from what her children had five years before and one of the mothers came to the school to return the stolen boat recently when the child touse have the book so that stars the tradition to find a child's name or have them help the name. but also the teacher of reading. and but not when ta'en too need well and to put the

book and the hand and we have tried to begin to stress perennial involvement we ask of undergone a transition over the last year over the last 34 years we have of large federal but grant if that was not funded in the fy 12 by jeht. read them do the phoenix we have always done private fund-raising and we are stepping back. >> host: the two

organizations coming due see yourself as competitors, but collaborators? we are asked all the time about competitors. but they purchase their books from the marketplace. we have looked for all kinds of ways to elaborate. when the federal grant went away three put together a wonderful proposal to allow us to purchase books from them in a manner and to allow us to purchase 200,000 more bookspan so why inferno

over the next several months but out of school but then to have these books the at par those private nonprofit still hope the parents would getting gauged with the child. there is a lot of excitement. >> host: j. robinson and? >> she is right for career collaborators in the extreme today's extreme. she has led the sector and a

first but has built and in may and and there's an but then with the tremendous act where programs and classrooms because that was a huge gap missing when the co-founders but the kids that needed the help the most coming in the

environment that would work work, and lawrence -- hours per day and without resources. if they were beyond mute but those that are an increasingly line content, design, and how you use that in the cross -- classroom and consider ourselves soldiers of the same more to take on the challenge and expanding beyond what we have preached so far. we could get across the united states and beyond that. >> host: to work with

public libraries? >> we do. we would like to be sure we get brand-new books chosen by the administrators and teachers. that is the primary focus but we have worked with the corporate partners while school libraries with brandi books with multiple initiatives that focus on replenish a libraries. as a matter of fact due to hurricane sandy we have a website and working with partners to raise funds to purchase to replacements in the new jersey area. >> have you moved into the world of the e-book get?

>> not yet. we have been exploring and do not discourage it. may schools and children research most have not had access to the piece of equipment and sell we have been lucky at how can we provoke that? because frankly in addition to wanting children to have books in being gauge read know it is a great way to do that for many children. i a note he does not want to look back in 10 years. we want to make sure that children were starving to have the opportunity to learn how to use the e-book and what it can mean to them. we know our friends at first

book working on that and i cannot think maybe in a year or two we will do that project together. >> we are working on a digital platform so we can breathe up the limitations. if anyone is confused if there is a divide, i will reassure there is a terrible gap in the country. 32%, not a misstatement, 42% are from low-income families. they simply don't have the access to educational resources and books from children of means. that is almost 30 million kids. we will bridge the gap or divide the inequity to fill the substantial system to

get those terrific resources to them. so of means digital content and devices research and learning all other resources have to be brought to the base of the economic pyramid. there is appear men here in the united states. we have to bridge that we have a large plan to get a digital platform built and we are about to do that working and then hand with terrific organizations. >> host: former first ladies barbara bush and laura bush made reading their signature issue in the

white house. do you see a difference in support when it is that high profile? >> certainly. we were lucky to have both of those on the advisory committee until the first place but the visibility that each brought with them whether still officially on a board or committee was extremely helpful and they both have foundations that have continued to live. it is certainly a big help win they help people see their children who do not have a single block in the home except what we hear most often of research economic means.

do have a book at home? we are getting ready to hand them one. my mother has a book wrapped in special cloth she keeps in day drawer then be realized it is a family bible or they talk about the book with the yellow paper. that is now going away. i think it is very difficult for us to have all the books we ever could have wanted we're going to the library frequently, i went to times bereday in the summer to read but it is hard to believe there are no books in a hall for a child than to far from the library to walk or bike.

and there is little free time in the family's schedule bordeaux transportation or they cannot afford it. it is critical we believe these days that these children are in the discipline of the most basic things that children get early in life and that it is books. >> host: jane robert said -- robinson you have 60 seconds to make a pitch to an organization for many or the parent. what is it? >> b.v. bus. there is a gap in the united states to have to provide those with the resources they need. we're losing geniuses because they're not given that educational tools that they