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
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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.
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Senior Admin Assistant
Chris De Sena is the Senior Administrative Assistant at Gateways to Better Education, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to equipping and empowering public-school educators, administrators, parents, and students to understand and exercise their religious and academic freedom regarding the Bible and Christianity.
In her role, Chris provides essential administrative and organizational support across the ministry’s partnerships, communications, and outreach efforts. She plays a key role in coordinating events, managing logistics, and supporting strategic initiatives that help advance Gateways’ mission nationwide.
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Social Media Coordinator
Karsten Ma is the Social Media Coordinator for the Student-Led Free to Speak program. A recent graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Karsten is particularly passionate about helping students in campus ministries across America gain greater courage to share the Gospel in their public-school settings. He has over 6 years of experience in Christian campus ministries at various leadership capacities spanning from his time as a high school student, to his current work in getting the Student-Led Free to Speak program to students! He hopes to glorify God in this ministry and ultimately make His name famous!