As censorship efforts in schools and state legislatures threaten free speech and inquiry in the classroom, Jonathan Friedman of PEN America remains a stalwart voice on behalf of teachers and students. His talk not only shows the alarming range of new laws and book bans, but inspires each of us to take up the challenge.

Jonathan Friedman, Ph.D., is the director of free expression and education programs at the literary and human rights nonprofit PEN America.

An interdisciplinary scholar, he oversees research, advocacy and public education related to the freedom to read, learn and teach in schools, colleges and universities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.