Project on Free Expression in Precollegiate Education

Project on Free Expression in Precollegiate Education  

The Project on Free Expression in Precollegiate Education brings together educators and leaders from independent schools across the country to further the sector’s commitment to free expression in a way that supports effective learning among children and teens, and enhances productive school community discourse.

Launched in December 2023 at the Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression by the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Lab), the Project builds on Lab’s long history of leadership and innovation in N-12 education. Free expression and open discourse are central to the Laboratory Schools’ history and vision. Lab was founded by John Dewey in 1896, not only as a laboratory for revolutionary teaching methods that are still in use today, but also as an incubator for democracy. Dewey recognized that a healthy democracy needs a citizenry that is adept in open discourse, critical thinking, the sharing of ideas, and collaboration across differences. 

Preparing young people to be leaders and impactful citizens in a healthy democracy, equipped with just such skills, remains the vision of the Laboratory Schools today. At Lab, the work of the Project is in the hands of our Steering Committee on Free Expression. 

The Project is a source of information and a convener for educators and leaders of like-minded independent schools across the country and around the world. Starting with our September 11-13, 2025 Conference on Free Expression in Precollegiate Education — the latest in a series of gatherings that began in 2019 — we will promote discussion, collaboration, and adoption/adaptation of modified Chicago Principles for guidance at elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools nationally and globally. 

The 2025 Conference will launch the Consortium on Free Expression in Precollegiate Education, a forum for exchanging ideas, sharing resources, and growing a commitment to free speech and open discourse adapted to the needs of younger students.