about us

Free to Speak is a student movement of Gateways to Better Education, a nonprofit Christ-centered organization that has been equipping Christians in public schools for over three decades.

We believe in this powerful God-given and constitutional right:
You don’t have to leave your faith at the door when you walk onto campus.

We are a grassroots student movement that collaborates with on-campus faith-based clubs to transform their school cultures from the inside out. We’re building a generation who are unashamed to live out their faith in public schools, who bring truth, love, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ into their hallways, classrooms, sports venues and friend groups.

Our vision

To see every Christian student at every public school, fully alive in their faith and unafraid to live it out.

Our goal

Help thousands of faith-based student clubs create faith-welcoming environments in class and on campus.

Our prayer

That Free to Speak will inspire students to be bold with the Gospel message.

the team

  • Founder and President

    Eric Buehrer was a public school teacher before founding Gateways to Better Education. He is a published author and nationally-recognized authority on the subject of religion and public education. His advocacy for clarity on religious freedom in public schools led to the 2020 updated release of the U.S. Department of Education’s “Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.”

    In today’s often-contentious climate, his approach is unique as it emphasizes camaraderie, not conflict; and reason, not rage. Eric and his wife, Kim, have three grown, public-school-educated daughters.

  • National Director

    Marty Cutrone is the National Director with Gateways to Better Education, a Christian non-profit that equips and empowers public-school educators, administrators, parents and students to know how to protect and promote religious and academic freedom regarding the Bible and Christianity.

    Prior to joining the Gateways team, Marty enjoyed a successful 29-year career with the Boy Scouts of America.  While serving in many leadership capacities during his career, he served the last 5 years as the Director of Strategic Alliances for the Orange County Council, BSA, leading Scouting’s faith-based initiatives, church-chartered partnership development and the council’s membership growth initiatives. 

    During a 12-year interim hiatus from the Boy Scouts of America, Marty served in full-time ministry as the Executive Pastor of CrossWinds Church in the San Francisco Bay Area and as the National Director of 40 Days of Purpose, with Pastor Rick Warren and Purpose Driven Ministries. 

  • Regional Director

    Todd Richardson brings over 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, community development, and pastoral ministry to his role as Regional Director at Student-Led Free To Speak. A former Senior Associate Pastor of 12 years, Todd is passionate about equipping educators, empowering students, and upholding freedoms in public schools through legally aligned, no-cost training. Known for his collaborative approach and servant-hearted leadership, Todd helps schools and student clubs navigate faith-related issues with clarity, confidence, and respect. He and his family live in Orange County, California, where they are raising two children and investing in the next generation of leaders.