Article

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave: Maximizing Free Speech in Brave Spaces to Support Diversity

---

Abstract

Responding to arguments that diversity and free speech are competing values, we recommend brave space practices to maximize both speech and diversity. This article first lays out what is actually required and allowed by law from public institutions regarding free speech. It then defines “brave space” and describes how brave space practices support diversity, highlighting the practice of “calling in,” which also maximizes free speech. Going beyond the classroom or library program, we envision brave space encompassing an entire institution, concluding with an example and recommendations.

Keywords: free speech, brave space, diversity, libraries, higher education, public school

How to Cite:

Nelson, S. B. & Nelson, J. W., (2025) “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave: Maximizing Free Speech in Brave Spaces to Support Diversity”, The Political Librarian 8(2), 94-104.