The University of California, Berkeley, has been at the center of the debate over free speech taking place on campuses across the country in recent months. The faculty is divided about how to interpret the First Amendment. Many students, too, feel conflicted.

We asked Berkeley students what free speech means to them, and about the mood on campus ahead of an event billed as “Free Speech Week.” Below is a selection of responses, which have been edited for length and clarity.

Some students talked about whether freedom of expression should be limited or unfettered.

‘We can’t pick and choose what speech we allow’

Image Sarah Gallo Credit... Rachel Kane

I think that in order for speech to be free, all speech has to be free. Where restricting speech becomes problematic is that we can’t pick and choose what speech we allow. Imagine if we weren’t free to criticize the government at a time like this!



— Sarah Gallo, 25, a law student from Palatine, Ill.