In his lecture Professor Richard T. Ely awakes the interest of his students by encouraging discussions which relate to the present situation. He is a leading professor in the field of economics and head of his department in the University of Wisconsin. Even his books are feared by traditional, old – style teachers for his progressive methods. An incriminating article in a newspaper of Oliver E. Wells, the state's superintendent, accuses him of proclaiming opinions which he never stated the way they were quoted – a fact which causes the professors in the university to discuss his methods. They are shocked about the openness recent events are discussed in his class. 

Charges are put forward to have him removed from the university. When a student learns that the old fashioned leaders won’t like to have him stay at the university, the support of all students grows even more. The interest of the press is peaked and Professor Ely clearly challenges Wells openly to prove the charges he made and distances himself from the wrong quotations. The hearing ahead of him Prof. Ely is confirmed by his students that they are very fond of him and try anything to help him - but they too are misquoted by the press. The school's president, who is in favor of Ely, informs him that his hands are bound because of the public platform the dispute will be held on. 

In the hearing the attorney, Burr Jones, defends him by pointing out that statements taken out of context give a wrong impression of the professor. Ely wants to stand by his statements he tells his attorney, but Jones advises him to go for a straight defense instead of beginning a discussion of opinions. In his defense the attorney makes sure that the witnesses cannot support the prosecution's accusations. They are made to confess their uncertainties and withdraw their earlier accusations. Then the attorney proves that the statements taken out of context are making a total different impression than stated out of context by reciting the whole statement. 

The hearing seems surely to be won for Ely and Jones as Ely requests to make a statement after he has been in the stand. In spite of the warning of his attorney he does not only want his statements corrected, but insists in maintaining his course of teaching free thinking. He believes that ideas of liberty in democracy govern the world and emphasizes the importance of human brotherhood, believing in an open mind as the basis of learning. While teaching in class he gets the news, the result of the hearing from the region's committee of investigations: They could not think for a moment of the dismissal or even the criticism of him. They also believe in continuing in teaching in truth and academic freedom.