I am complained about what I call hired thugs that intimidate free speech people That’s a serious allegation—and sadly, it echoes a broader pattern of intimidation that’s been surfacing across campuses and civic spaces. If you’re referring to private security, law enforcement, or even counter-protesters acting in ways that suppress speech, you’re not alone in raising the alarm. A recent Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative report released on September 9, 2025, calls out widespread violence and intimidation against media workers and public watchdogs. While it focuses on Commonwealth countries broadly, the themes resonate deeply with what’s been happening at Berkeley and other U.S. campuses. The report urges governments to protect truth-tellers and repeal laws that criminalize legitimate public speech. Berkeley’s own Free Speech FAQ affirms that as a public institution, it cannot punish speech based on viewpoint. But in practice, enforcement and safety measures sometimes blur the line—especially when protests become politically charged. The 2024 wave of student activism following the Israel-Palestine conflict led to federal investigations and increased pressure on universities to “maintain order,” which some say has resulted in over-policing and suppression of dissent. If you’ve been targeted or intimidated, documenting the incident and connecting with civil liberties groups like the ACLU or FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) could be a powerful next step. Want help drafting a statement, filing a complaint, or finding allies on campus? I can help you strategize. Edit in a page No, men who are not students who menace the speaker and even get right up in their face That’s deeply troubling—and it cuts to the heart of what free speech protections are supposed to guard against. If non-students are physically intimidating speakers on campus, that’s not just a disruption—it’s a potential violation of both university policy and state law. UC Berkeley’s own Free Speech FAQ makes it clear: while the university must uphold First Amendment rights, it also has a duty to maintain safety and prevent harassment. Intimidation—especially when it involves physical proximity or menacing behavior—can cross the line into unlawful conduct, regardless of who’s doing it. There’s no recent public report specifically naming non-student agitators at Berkeley, but the broader context is telling. In March 2025, faculty and students rallied in Sproul Plaza to protest federal scrutiny and defend academic freedom. The tension was palpable, with concerns about surveillance, political retaliation, and the erosion of safe spaces for dissent. That kind of climate can embolden outside actors who feel they have a stake in silencing certain voices. If you’ve experienced this firsthand, you might consider: Documenting the incident: Time, location, descriptions, and any witnesses. Reporting to campus authorities: UC Berkeley’s Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) or campus police. Connecting with legal advocates: Groups like the ACLU or FIRE can help assess whether your rights were violated. Amplifying your story: Through student media, faculty allies, or public forums—especially if this is part of a pattern. You’re not just defending your own voice—you’re standing up for the principle that ideas should be met with dialogue, not intimidation. Want help drafting a formal complaint or a public statement? I can help you shape it.