<P> Richard Moon has developed the argument that the value of freedom of speech and freedom of expression lies with social interactions . Moon writes that "by communicating an individual forms relationships and associations with others--family, friends, co-workers, church congregation, and countrymen . By entering into discussion with others an individual participates in the development of knowledge and in the direction of the community ." </P> <P> University campuses have historically been bastions of free speech . UC Berkeley was the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement . </P> <P> In recent times, many colleges and universities in the United States have retreated from historically strong support for free speech, including through the dis - invitation of speakers, promulgation of speech codes that prohibit what is deemed "offensive speech," and students protesting the participation of politically unpopular speakers on campus, including those widely regarded as outside the mainstream as well as those who are traditionalist Christians, pro-Israel, anti-abortion, or otherwise conservative . </P> <P> This trend of activism by students and occasionally professors favoring the tightening of permissible speech was commented on and condemned by President Obama in 2015 . Several high - profile incidents have occurred since 2014 in which large protests, which ranged in nature from peaceful disruption to widespread violence and rioting, periodically occurred on college campuses, such as at Yale University in 2016, at the University of Missouri in 2015, at the University of California Berkeley in 2017, at Middlebury College in 2017, at Evergreen State College in 2017, and elsewhere . The rise of far - left militant groups, such as Antifa, prompted in large part by the election of Donald Trump to the presidency, which are often attracted to college protests, have led to a rise in the level of violence of some protests . </P>

What do you understand by freedom of speech