SDH Captioned
Grades 10-12, College, Adults
Directed by Julie Akeret
DVD Purchase $350, Rent $95
US Release Date: 2026
Copyright Date: 2026
DVD ISBN: 978-1-961192-62-1
Subjects
Critical Thinking
Education
Law
Social Psychology
Sociology
A Filmmaker's Journey
From cancel culture to hate speech to safe spaces, the film investigates free speech rights at colleges and universities in the U.S.
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"This film presents a diverse range of individuals...who state a broad range of ideas about free speech." Nadine Strossen, Professor of Law Emerita, New York Law School |
[Note: Community screenings of WHAT I DID'NT KNOW ABOUT FREE SPEECH ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES can be booked at Bullfrog Communities.]
What I Didn't Know About Free Speech on College Campuses tells the story of a filmmaker's journey - from a mild irritation to a deep fear for our country, from left to right and back again. It was supposed to be a small film about free speech on college campuses - until a powerful totalitarian challenge threatened this most American of rights. The filmmaker came to see that even a very basic freedom can be understood and championed in many different ways, and in the hunger for power, it can even be ignored.
And so, the issue returned to the place where the film began: on campus. Universities that allow protest are denied billions of dollars in funding. Some universities in response now say, "Okay. We will ban protest, no matter what the Constitution says." So a film that began as something for people to think about is now about something many people fear. When people are silenced, democracy fails. If speech is no longer free in America, is it still America?
What I Didn't Know About Free Speech on College Campuses includes captivating interviews with PBS luminary and President of Wesleyan University, Michael Roth; African-American activist Loretta Ross of Smith College; and civil rights lawyer William Newman of the ACLU.
Reviews
"With thoughtful commentary, this film seeks to explain how issues such as cultural appropriation, cancel culture, safe spaces, trigger warnings, hate speech, and diversity and inclusion have emerged more prominently in recent years and highlights the importance of free speech and civil discourse in furthering the pursuit of truth. I especially appreciate the way the film cites attempts to censor speech by both right-wing and left-wing groups and shows how actions to exclude speakers often bring more publicity to their causes. I will definitely be interested in showing this on our campus."
"Offering a range of student and academic insights on free speech on campus, this documentary helps to better understand conservative political pressure and self-censorship that are stifling effective teaching and undermining democracy. A wake-up call for us all!"
"Free speech on campus has been a fraught topic in recent years. Moving beyond the sensationalist headlines, this nuanced film provides a wonderful guide through the issues and the tools for imagining how we can do better."
"This film presents a diverse range of individuals -- including experts and various members of the general public -- who state a broad range of ideas about free speech. It should stimulate all viewers to think hard about this topic, which is vitally important to every one of us."
"Neutrality, as advocates for justice have historically observed, is an inherently conservative position. In What I Didn't Know About Free Speech, Akeret documents a personal journey exploring attitudes toward freedom of expression and how issues of inclusion and free speech are both at odds, but also crucial for each other. Her intellectual travels are personal, political, and ultimately insightful without being sermonic, and can help any introductory class or community group with the initial questions surrounding these issues."
"I recommend this film for classrooms and public forums looking to reach a wide audience on this topic - followed by a discussion with diverse voices that includes those who are actively fighting right-wing laws against academic freedom, administrative policies that restrict freedom of speech, and the bipartisan silencing of those that speak out against militarism and genocide."
"This is a film that shows rather than tells. It illustrates the complexity and nuance of debates about free speech on campus and elsewhere by orchestrating a virtual conversation between people with strong, articulate, and diverse views. The film is an example of free speech in action. It will start conversations, not end them."