Former Columbia University president Lee C. Bollinger on the importance of free speech

The former president of Columbia University in New York, which was at the centre of sometimes violent protests against the war in Gaza, has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the importance of free speech and how universities have to teach it. Lee C. Bollinger is president emeritus of Columbia University; he ran it until just a year before the protests broke out. The university has long been known as a bastion of freedom of expression in the United States.

Mar 18, 2026 - 16:04
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Former Columbia University president Lee C. Bollinger on the importance of free speech
The former president of Columbia University in New York, which was at the centre of sometimes violent protests against the war in Gaza, has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the importance of free speech and how universities have to teach it. Lee C. Bollinger is president emeritus of Columbia University; he ran it until just a year before the protests broke out. The university has long been known as a bastion of freedom of expression in the United States.

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Oganews As a passionate news reporter, I am fueled by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering commitment to truth. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of stories, I strive to deliver timely and accurate information that empowers and engages readers.