News & Commentary about Free Speech

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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Court gavel resting atop the US Constitution document, where First Amendment starts.

Mar 4, 2024

New York's Coercion of Private Companies to Blacklist the NRA Has a Long and Dark History

A sign reading FREE SPEECH is held aloft by person protesting immigration laws banning some Muslims at Battery Park in Manhattan in 2017 in New York City

Feb 20, 2024

Defending Speech We Hate

Feb 14, 2024

Anti-DEI Efforts Are the Latest Attack on Racial Equity and Free Speech

An exterior of the University of Florida.

Feb 12, 2024

When Florida Officials Tried to Silence Our Pro-Palestinian Student Group, We Sued

The ACLU is defending the Florida chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine's (SJP) right to free speech on campus. Learn more about the case.

Jan 24, 2024

The Importance of Defending the Free Speech Rights of Pro-Palestinian Students in Florida

Dec 29, 2023

Fighting Campus Censorship: The ACLU Defends Pro-Palestinian Voices in Florida

With the U.S Capitol in the back ground thousands of demonstrators march on Pennsylvania Avenue during the Women's March in Washington, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021.

Dec 14, 2023

2023 in Review: The Latest on the Stories That Made Our Year

Students gather at the University of Washington's Red Square to show solidarity in response to recent Hamas attacks and the ongoing Middle East tensions. Hundreds of people who support Palestine gathered at the Red Square of the University of Washington on Thursday afternoon. They passionately cheered for a speaker, clapped and played drums together in a show of unity during a protest called "day of resistance protest for Palestine." Jewish students on campus also shared their concerns and fears amidst this display of support.

Dec 7, 2023

The Unconstitutional Silencing of Pro-Palestinian Student Groups

A lock and key on top of a computer keyboard.

Nov 30, 2023

Some Steps to Defend Against Online Doxxing and Harassment

A graphic of a woman holding a megaphone with rulers on her righthand side.

Nov 13, 2023

Test Your Knowledge: What Rights Do Students Have at School?