News & Commentary about Free Speech

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Protecting free speech means protecting a free press, the democratic process, diversity of thought, and so much more. The ACLU has worked since 1920 to ensure that freedom of speech is protected for everyone.

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Police enforce a road barricade on a public highway that leads to the protest area and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s reservation.

Sep 13, 2016

North Dakota’s Governor Declared a State of Emergency to Deal With Peaceful Oil Pipeline Protesters. We Call It a State of Emergency for Civil Rights.

North Dakota’s Governor Declared a State of Emergency to Deal With Peaceful Oil Pipeline Protesters. We Call It a State of Emergency for Civil Rights.

Colin Kaepernick

Sep 8, 2016

The San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick Kneeled So That We May All Stand Taller

The San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick Kneeled So That We May All Stand Taller

Famous civil rights photo of firehose use on protesters, on Twitter

Aug 12, 2016

Making Sure the Revolution Gets Televised

Making Sure the Revolution Gets Televised

DNC Demonstrations

Aug 8, 2016

An Impolitic Situation: When Rights Disappear

An Impolitic Situation: When Rights Disappear

Bela Legosi looking greedily at bundle of internet cables

Aug 1, 2016

Why Broadband Carriers are a Menace to Privacy

Why Broadband Carriers are a Menace to Privacy

Puppet on stage

Jul 20, 2016

What Could Go Wrong With Asking Teachers To Monitor Kids for ‘Extremist’ Beliefs?

What Could Go Wrong With Asking Teachers To Monitor Kids for ‘Extremist’ Beliefs?

Baton Rouge Arrest

Jul 13, 2016

The Police in Baton Rouge Don’t Like It When Protesters Exercise Their Rights, So We’re Taking Them to Court

The Police in Baton Rouge Don’t Like It When Protesters Exercise Their Rights, So We’re Taking Them to Court

Colorful bar charts

Jun 29, 2016

ACLU Challenges Computer Crimes Law That is Thwarting Research on Discrimination Online

ACLU Challenges Computer Crimes Law That is Thwarting Research on Discrimination Online

Lemon curd recipe posting on Facebook

Jun 29, 2016

Your Favorite Website Might Be Discriminating Against You

Your Favorite Website Might Be Discriminating Against You

Old telephone lines at dawn

Jun 28, 2016

How Patent Law Held Back Communications Technology

How Patent Law Held Back Communications Technology