Free Speech Fridays

PACE Presents: Free Speech Fridays

Free Speech Fridays offer us the opportunity to put our First Amendment free speech rights into action. Sessions focus on controversial issues of wide interest and are free and open to the public. Our goal is to facilitate passionate but civil discussion that can empower participants to think for themselves. Free Speech Fridays provide one way that PACE, in the words of the program’s vision statement, “cultivates knowledge, develops leadership, and builds communication skills to prepare members of the IU community to take action for positive change.” Join us!

Guidelines for Free Speech Friday discussions:

  • All views are welcome, but please do your best to keep your comments civil, respectful, and focused on the content of the ideas raised and not the people who have raised them.
  • Listen to understand
  • Listen for common ground
  • When you disagree, do so with curiosity, not hostility
  • Refrain from interrupting
  • Keep your comments brief to maximize the participation of all speakers

Next Free Speech Friday

Friday, November 7, 2025
12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.
Red clock between Ballantine and Woodburn

Topic: "Consumerism: Do you need that new phone?
Free pizza!

Free Speech Fridays provides a space for community members to explore policy conversations uniquely impactful to them. This month’s topic is: Consumerism. With the season of giving in tow, what considerations do we have about consumerism? Is America consumerist? When is something a necessity versus a luxury? Join us for our last Free Speech Friday of the semester to discuss how this pertinent issue will impact you, your community, and your future. 

Future Free Speech Fridays

To be announced

Contact us

Carl Weinberg
Teaching Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
Adjunct Associate Professor, Dept. of History
Director, PACE Institute for Role-Immersive Teaching and Learning (PIRTL)
812-856-5111
crweinbe@indiana.edu