Free Speech and Religion

Today is National Religious Freedom Day, the anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, a statute written by Thomas Jefferson disestablishing the Church of England in Virginia, and an important precursor to the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment.

John McWhorter and Michelle Goldberg explore the current debates around so-called cancel culture, including whether it truly exists, and if so, how pervasive and threatening it is to free speech.

This year has presented extraordinary challenges and possibilities, from a pandemic to a mass movement against anti-Black racism and police violence. In order to move forward, each of us must have the skills to build solidarity and community with others without dismissing our important differences.

We were surprised to discover new ways to engage with one another that will benefit the camp for years to come.

The Inclusive America Project (IAP) is pleased to publish our newest report, “The Multiplier Effect: A Case Study of Faith-Based Community Organizations in Chicago, IL,” which investigates the ways in which religious pluralism supports the thriving of American democracy and society.

Together we can give each other tools to not just survive but to thrive during these hard times.

Can we protect free thinking while promoting a more inclusive culture and protecting against the harms of speech? PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel thinks we can.

Our goal is to walk together over a short period of time and construct a deeper understanding of how we might midwife hope and progress for the greater good of an inclusive America.

Rabbi Michelle Missaghieh is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Inclusive America Project's Powering Pluralism Network.