Speech, Press and Privacy

Freedom of speech, the press, association, assembly, and petition: These guarantees, protected by the First Amendment, comprises what we refer to as freedom of expression. It is the foundation of a vibrant democracy, and without it, other fundamental rights, like the right to vote, would perish.

Group of American activists is protesting

Freedom of speech, the press, association, assembly, and petition: This set of guarantees, protected by the First Amendment, comprises what we refer to as freedom of expression. It is the foundation of a vibrant democracy, and without it, other fundamental rights, like the right to vote, would wither away.

The fight for freedom of speech has been a bedrock of the ACLU’s mission since the organization was founded in 1920, driven by the need to protect the constitutional rights of conscientious objectors and anti-war protesters. The organization’s work quickly spread to combating censorship, securing the right to assembly, and promoting free speech in schools.

Almost a century later, these battles have taken on new forms, but they persist. The ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project continues to champion freedom of expression in its myriad forms—whether through protest, media, online speech, or the arts—in the face of new threats. For example, new avenues for censorship have arisen alongside the wealth of opportunities for speech afforded by the Internet. The threat of mass government surveillance chills the free expression of ordinary citizens, legislators routinely attempt to place new restrictions on online activity, and journalism is criminalized in the name of national security. The ACLU is always on guard to ensure that the First Amendment’s protections remain robust—in times of war or peace, for bloggers or the institutional press, online or off.

The Latest

News & Commentary
Plaintiff Sierra Norman sitting at a countertop looking at a laptop in a room with windows looking out to what looks like farmland

Declo School District Changes Policies

News & Commentary
a venue with people sitting and waiting for the show to start from the back of the room, with words "Don't limit Artistic Expression in Idaho" "Justice Served" "#legalizeidahoart" and "#uncoveridahoart"

Artists Win Lawsuit Against Idaho Alcohol Laws

Idaho State Police Agree to Permanent End to Restrictions on Artistic Expression
News & Commentary
image of people sitting waiting a performance with words "don't limit artistic expression in Idaho" "#legalizeidahoart" "#uncoveridahoart"

Art Gallery, Theater, and Acclaimed Artist File Lawsuit Challenging Restrictions on Live Performance

Idaho Alcohol Laws Violate Free Speech, ACLU and Co-Counsel Lawsuit Contend
News & Commentary
a sign with a cardboard sign taped on top with spray painted "occupy boise" on it with tents in the background

Occupy Boise and ACLU of Idaho Victorious in Challengine New No-Protest Rules

Action partially restores constitutional rights to Idahoans
Court Case
Sep 20, 2013

State v. Scott

Defending the freedom to speak freely in court.
Court Case
Feb 17, 2012

Watters v. Otter

Protecting protestors' rights on the Idaho Capitol Mall.
Court Case
Nov 04, 2013

ACLU of Idaho v. City of Boise

Rebuffing Boise's attempts to criminalize poverty.
Court Case
Oct 16, 2014

Norman v. Cassia County Joint School District

Protecting student choice and fighing discrimination in Idaho's public schools.