Table of Contents
FIRE statement on the violent attack of Salman Rushdie at the Chautauqua Institution
The violent, on-stage attack on author Salman Rushdie is a horrible reminder that when people stop settling their disagreements with words, they too often try to do so with weapons. It is free speech that makes it possible for us to be free people. Unfortunately, there are those who wish us not to be free, who would rather use the assassin’s veto to compel belief and silence dissent.
Mr. Rushdie has long understood free speech’s necessity. He is among its strongest advocates: “Free speech is the whole thing, the whole ball game,” he once said. “Free speech is life itself.”
We wish Mr. Rushdie a speedy recovery — his voice will never be silenced.
Recent Articles
FIRE’s award-winning Newsdesk covers the free speech news you need to stay informed.
Federal court backs teachers fired over trans protest
FIRE helped revive a lawsuit for two Oregon educators fired over opposing a gender policy, and now the courts have decided their First Amendment claim deserves a trial.
Speak up, get expelled: the Eastman way
Rebecca Bryant Novak spoke out about harassment. Eastman punished her for it. Now FIRE is demanding the University of Rochester reverse her expulsion and uphold its promises.
University of Rochester student expelled after detailing school's mishandling of harassment complaint on Substack
Eastman confirmed her claims. Then expelled her. FIRE is demanding the University of Rochester reinstate Rebecca Bryant Novak and stop retaliating against students who speak out.
In Quran burning conviction, UK judge uses violence against defendant as evidence of his guilt
UK judge cites violence against Quran-burning protester as proof of his guilt, Brazil sentences comedian to over eight years for telling jokes, and France targets porn.