Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

Governments are known to compel their citizens and subjects to take loyalty oaths. But, even if you support and agree with your government, compelling speech violates the human right to think and speak according to one's conscience. #loyaltyoath #compelledspeech #firstamendment #freespeech #freedomofconscience

This week, Harvard University announced it will no longer issue public statements on social or political issues. Instead, it’s recommitting to its core function as a university: cultivating an environment where students and faculty can pursue truth and knowledge.

A Sacramento, CA high school placed its student newspaper’s faculty advisor on leave after the paper published a compilation of comments from students overheard on campus, one of which was “Hitler’s got some good ideas.” But public schools are bound by the First Amendment, and they can't censor a student newspaper just because they find it offensive or disagreeable. In this case, the faculty advisor defended her students’ rights by not censoring the comment, and for that, she was punished. Concerned by this speech-chilling move, several civil rights groups are now urging the superintendent to reinstate the advisor. FIRE supports and defends free speech and press freedom for ALL, not just those we agree with. Because that’s what it means to be a principled free speech advocate. https://lnkd.in/eGQ25zvG

In 1968, a 19-year-old department store worker, Paul Cohen, protested the Vietnam War by wearing a jacket with the phrase "F**k the Draft. Stop the War.” After being seen wearing the jacket in public, Cohen was arrested under a California statute prohibiting offensive conduct. He was found guilty and sentenced to 30 days in jail. Cohen appealed his conviction, and the case made it all the way to the US Supreme Court. In a landmark decision for free speech rights, the Court decided 5-4 in Cohen’s favor. His conviction — and the law on which it was based — was ruled unconstitutional. Justice John M. Harlan II, writing for the majority, famously noted, “One man’s vulgarity is another’s lyric,” and concluded “the State may not, consistently with the First and Fourteenth Amendments, make the simple public display here involved of this single four-letter expletive a criminal offense.” Harlan also cautioned us about the broader impact of censorship, writing “governments might soon seize upon the censorship of particular words as a convenient guise for banning the expression of unpopular views.” Cohen’s case underscores the importance of protecting speech and expression, even when it’s vulgar or offensive to some. It remains a cornerstone of free speech law today, and serves as an everyday source of inspiration for FIRE’s Philly staff. 🖼️ FIRE Philly Office

When it comes to free speech, we don’t care if you’re a Democrat or Republican. If it’s protected, we’ll defend it. But we can’t do it alone! Our work is only possible with your support. Defend free speech. Donate to FIRE today! https://lnkd.in/e8KjzpBY

Compelled speech violates the First Amendment and the very ideals the American flag represents 🇺🇲 Last month, a Maryland elementary school emailed its staff to inform them of guidance requiring all students and teachers to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance in unison. In other words, a compelled speech mandate. FIRE is demanding Twin Ridge Elementary School retract its unconstitutional guidance and notify all staff and students of their rights under Maryland law and the US Constitution to opt out of participating in the Pledge of Allegiance. #freespeech #publicschool #civilrights #firstamendment #americanflag #freedom

This morning, the Supreme Court unanimously reaffirmed a foundational First Amendment principle: “A government official cannot coerce a private party to punish or suppress disfavored speech on her behalf.” The Court held the National Rifle Association plausibly alleged New York state officials violated the First Amendment by coercing financial institutions to abandon the group to punish it for its advocacy. The Court’s decision is a resounding win for the First Amendment. “The coercive tactics used by New York officials were a naked attempt to evade the Constitution,” said Robert Corn-Revere, FIRE’s chief counsel.“The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision sends a clear message that the government cannot use its bully pulpit to censor speech it doesn’t like without violating the First Amendment. Today’s decision is a major victory for free expression and the rule of law.” FIRE filed two friend-of-the-court briefs with the Supreme Court in support of the NRA’s First Amendment rights: Last April, we asked the Court to hear the case, and this January, we urged it to reach exactly today’s result. FIRE congratulates the NRA and their counsel, the ACLU, on today’s important victory. From government coercion to online speech rights, this SCOTUS term is already proving to be a blockbuster for the First Amendment. Stay tuned for more. #scotus #freespeech #legal #breakingnews

Over 40 individuals and organizations have joined FIRE in calling on the Supreme Court to take the case of Priscilla Villarreal, an independent journalist who was jailed by police in Laredo, TX, for her First Amendment-protected news reporting.

Harvard University's new policy to not speak publicly on hot-button social and political issues change could spark similar reforms throughout higher education. Where Harvard leads, others follow.

Last week FIRE ventured into the woods for our annual staff retreat! Games were won (and lost), s’mores were built (and burned), and arrows were fired (at targets!). Now we're back to doing what we do best: defending free speech 🔥 #staffretreat #pennsylvania #camp #games #smores #archery #freedom #freespeech