UC Berkeley Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Free Speech Movement
The historic protests of 1964 that began at UC Berkeley continue to inspire civil liberties and student activism today.
- On October 1, 1964, thousands of UC Berkeley students protested the arrest of a fellow student for civil rights activism.
- The Free Speech Movement, led by students like Mario Savio, demanded and won the right to political activities on campus.
- The movement at Berkeley became a pivotal moment for civil liberties, influencing similar struggles nationwide.
- Today, UC Berkeley remains deeply engaged with issues of democracy and freedom of expression, continuing the legacy of the Free Speech Movement.
- Initiatives like the Edley Center on Law & Democracy and the Berkeley Liberty Initiative are among the efforts that promote free speech and protect academic freedom.
Berkeley 