Free Speech is Under Attack
Campaign aims to educate Americans about the importance of protecting the First Amendment
Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2019) — Yesterday, the Campaign for Free Speech erected billboards in the heart of New York City, Times Square, calling attention to the attack on free speech in America. The advertisements—launched by the non-partisan Campaign for Free Speech—highlight recent polling that reveals, among other things, a majority of Americans believe the First Amendment is outdated and should be rewritten.
The billboards—standing at 53 feet high—are located on the corner of 42nd Street and 7th Avenue. They will be displayed for one week. One image reads “FREE SPEECH IS UNDER ATTACK,” while the other is a rotating message highlighting key findings from the polling. Rotation images attached.
“The declining popularity of free speech in American is extremely concerning,” said Robert D. Lystad, executive director of the Campaign for Free Speech. “While certain types of speech may make some feel uncomfortable, free speech protection is an all-or-nothing ballgame. In decades past, the speech of Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement, or even those fighting for LBGTQ+ rights was considered offensive to some and was the target of suppression efforts, but these examples show how important it is to protect free speech.”
