From Defenders To Skeptics: The Sharp Decline In Young Americans’ Support For Free Speech

From Defenders To Skeptics: The Sharp Decline In Young Americans’ Support For Free Speech

For much of the 20th century, young Americans were seen as free speech’s fiercest defenders. But now, young Americans are growing more skeptical of free speech. According to a March 2025 report by The Future of Free Speech, a nonpartisan think tank where I am executive director, support among 18- to 34-year-olds for allowing controversial or offensive speech has dropped sharply in recent years. In 2021, 71% of young Americans said people should …

There are two Gen Zs

The new political divide splitting young Americans in half.