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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

Statement on Contempt Ruling in Black Lives Matter v. Seattle

Judge Jones determined the city violated the court’s order on four clear instances.

Resources

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.
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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.
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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.
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With Bad Weather Arriving, City Must Address Urgent Situation of Homeless People

Published: 
Friday, October 14, 2016
While the City moves to develop sustainable, long-term solutions to the homelessness crisis, it must also abandon the ineffective, inhumane policy of chasing Seattle’s homeless population from place to place. Seattle currently lacks adequate housing for the number of individuals living outdoors.  People will live outdoors because they have no choice. 
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Know Your Rights Guide: Protests

Document, Published: 
Friday, August 5, 2016
This guide covers the legal protections you have while protesting or otherwise exercising your free speech rights in public places. Although some of the legal principles are firmly established, as with many areas of law, free speech law is complex and continually developing. 
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WA Supreme Court: Lakewood’s ban on panhandling violates free speech rights

Published: 
Friday, July 22, 2016
The State Supreme Court has found that Lakewood’s law banning panhandling in certain areas violates free speech rights. The ruling is a vindication of the rights of homeless people.
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