Press Releases
about Free Speech
Sep 23, 2026
Federal Court Hears Arguments Urging Immediate Action to Protect Memphis Residents’ Right to Record
The ACLU and ACLU of Tennessee filed a motion for preliminary injunction after residents experienced retaliation for observing and documenting Memphis Safe Task Force activity.
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: Demster v. Blanche
Sep 23, 2026
New ACLU and Amnesty International USA Report Uncovers Widespread Suppression of Pro-Palestine Speech Across College Campuses
Findings Show Concerted Efforts to Censor and Retaliate Against Speech in support of Palestinian Rights in Colleges and Universities
Issue Areas:
Human Rights
Free Speech
Sep 16, 2026
Researchers Challenge NIH Screening of Grants for Disfavored Viewpoints
Class action lawsuit seeks to stop censorship and termination of federally funded scientific research
Issue Areas:
Racial Justice
Free Speech
Sep 10, 2026
Federal Appeals Court Says That Race, Gender Instruction Are Not Censored in Oklahoma Classrooms
The case was the first to challenge the kinds of educational censorship laws that have spread across the country since 2021
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: Black Emergency Response Team v. Drummond
Sep 08, 2026
New Filing Details Continued Intimidation Campaign Against Memphis Resident for Recording Memphis Safe Task Force Activity
After observing and documenting the Task Force, client Hunter Demster accounts arrest, harassment, and intimidation
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: Demster v. Blanche
Sep 04, 2026
ACLU, ACLU of D.C., and National Press Photographers Association Tell Court that Blocking Drone Photography of DHS Operations Violates First Amendment
In Friend-of-the-Court Brief, Free Speech Groups Urge Court to Block Airspace Restrictions Affecting Journalists
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Privacy & Technology
Court case: Levine v. FAA
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The American Civil Liberties Union has media staff available to handle inquiries from journalists on national issues affecting civil liberties, including questions on legislative matters that touch on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms and inquiries related to ACLU lawsuits.
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Local inquiries should be directed to the appropriate ACLU state affiliate.
The Latest in Free Speech
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Washington, D.C.Sep 2026
Free Speech
Levine V. Faa. Explore Case.Levine v. FAA
On September 4, 2026, the ACLU, ACLU of D.C. and the National Press Photographers Association filed an amicus brief to urge the court to block airspace restrictions on drone flights, banning such flights over any Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility or “mobile asset,” which includes any DHS vehicle. -
Tennessee Supreme CourtAug 2026
Free Speech
Capital Punishment
Assoc. Press V. Nelsen. Explore Case.Assoc. Press v. Nelsen
Tennessee's execution policies prevent the press from witnessing critical stages before and after a state execution. However, the public needs to know how they work—or don't work—to participate in informed public debate. The ACLU's State Supreme Court Initiative, alongside the ACLU of Tennessee, filed an amicus brief explaining why a provision in the Tennessee Constitution that guarantees access to government proceedings requires greater press access to executions.