Salman Rushdie Becomes Founding Patron of Ralston College

In 2010 Salman Rushdie, the renowned author and advocate for free speech, became a founding patron of Ralston College, a liberal arts institution based in Georgia, USA. The college was established with a strong commitment to fostering critical thinking, open discourse, and intellectual freedom among its students. By involving Rushdie as a patron, Ralston College highlighted its dedication to the values he has long championed, particularly the defense of freedom of expression. Reflecting this mission, the college adopted the Latin motto sermo liber vita ipsa, which translates to “free speech is life itself.” This phrase underscores the institution’s belief in the essential role of free dialogue in education and society, echoing Rushdie’s lifelong efforts to protect artistic and intellectual liberties. Rushdie’s involvement symbolized a broader commitment to creating an environment where diverse ideas can be debated and explored without fear of censorship. In an era when intellectual and artistic freedoms face increasing challenges worldwide, the establishment of Ralston College represented a vital initiative to nurture critical thinking, philosophical inquiry, and the values of a liberal arts education. Through this collaboration, Rushdie’s influence extends beyond literature into shaping the next generation of thinkers and defenders of free expression.