Series

The Free Speech Movement

Fifty years ago, students at the University of California Berkeley set the campus rebellion in motion. Read about the history of the struggle and the conclusions of a participant in this SW series.

Dan Russell and Nicole Colson

Putting their “bodies on the gears”

The Free Speech Movement at UC Berkeley 50 years ago was the first great struggle of the campus revolts of the 1960s.

December 1, 2014
The Free Speech Movement on the march at UC Berkeley
Interview: Joel Geier

The spark that lit the 1960s campus revolt

A participant in the Free Speech Movement at UC Berkeley 50 years ago explains why the struggle had a galvanizing impact on a generation.

December 2, 2014
Interview: Joel Geier

The 1960s generation turns left

The example of the Berkeley Free Speech Movement gave students a new sense of courage and confidence in struggle.

December 3, 2014