For over fifty years, Chico State students and faculty have steadfastly exercised and defended the essential rights of free speech and assembly. During the 1960s, the Associated Students conceived of an idea for a Speaker's Platform for the purpose of "increased communication between students, faculty, the administration, and the townspeople." In 1964, thanks to fundraising by the freshman class, a Speaker's Platform was erected behind Trinity Hall and represented a clear commitment to free speech.

Over the years, students and faculty have spoken out and organized in support of numerous issues, recorded in Meriam Library's Special Collections and shared in this website's exhibits.