Free Speech Icon

Free Speech

The right to express yourself regardless of the popularity your views is basic to a democratic society. Throughout its history, the ACLU has met challenges from officials who cite reasons old and new to restrict this right. We recognize that if one person can be silenced, all of us are at risk.
Know Your Rights: Street Speech. Can I pass out flyers to crowds at a mall? A farmers market? At a school or campus? Find out!

Joint statement regarding settlement in S.A.F.E. v. Selah

S.A.F.E. and the City of Selah, WA have agreed to a settlement

A photo of the supreme court of the United States by Photo by Ian Hutchinson from Unsplash

FAQ: Washington and the 303 Creative v. Elenis Case

Preliminary guidance on how this decision will impact Washington.

Resources

Know Your Rights: Speech in Public Places

Document, Published: 
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Can I pass out flyers in a mall? Talk to visitors to a farmers market? Speak on the grounds of a college campus? Download our guide to your free speech rights in public places.
Read more

ACLU of Washington Says “Presidential Commission on Election Integrity” Is a Sham, Should Be Disbanded

News Release, Published: 
Friday, June 30, 2017
President Trump’s so-called “Presidential Commission on Election Integrity” is a sham commission that uses false claims of voting fraud as a pretext for voter suppression.
Read more

Equal Access Act

Document, Published: 
Friday, May 5, 2017
Many schools allow students to form clubs, like a drama club or a debate club. Under the law, schools cannot discriminate against student clubs, like Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) for example, simply because they disagree with the message or purpose of a club. This document provides information about the federal Equal Access Act and protections for student clubs.
Read more

Following ACLU Motion, Whatcom Prosecutor Withdraws Warrant to Search Facebook Page of Group Protesting Dakota Access Pipeline

News Release, Published: 
Monday, March 13, 2017
The Whatcom County prosecutor on Monday withdrew a search warrant obtained by the Whatcom County Sheriff Department that would have allowed a search of a Facebook account associated with a local group protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline. 
Read more

ACLU Challenges Warrant to Search Facebook Page of Group Engaged in Protests Against Dakota Access Pipeline

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
The ACLU today filed a motion to quash a warrant issued to police to search a Facebook community page for a broad range of information about a Bellingham, Washington, group engaged in protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline and advocating for environmental justice.
Read more

Use of Pepper Spray Against Protesters at SeaTac Was Unnecessary and Excessive

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
The ACLU calls upon the Port of Seattle to review its policies and practices regarding use of force at peaceful protests to ensure that they do not violate fundamental rights.
Read more

Silent protests of the national anthem present a teachable moment for America’s schools

Published: 
Friday, October 21, 2016
Schools must refrain from trampling the free-speech rights of students, but if that’s all they do, their work is incomplete. Rather than approach student protests as something simply to be tolerated, schools should embrace the teachable moments they present.
Read more

Pages