Jonathan Rauch: Allowing free speech

From Saturday Morning, 8:35 am on 18 May 2024
Jonathan Rauch

Jonathan Rauch Photo: Supplied

American author Jonathan Rauch argues free speech and robust criticism should be encouraged and defended, even when it's racist, sexist or causes hurt.  

A gay, Jewish writer and thinker Rauch admits free speech can do harm, but argues minorities are better off in a society where free speech is embraced.

Rauch has been visiting NZ at the invitation of the Free Speech Union discussing the necessity of academic freedom.

He's a senior fellow in the Governance Studies programme at the Brookings Institute, the author of eight books and many articles on public policy, culture, government, and LGBT rights.