🟥Freedoms of Speech, Press & Assembly
A ranked guide to organizations safeguarding free expression and civic participation.
Here are advocacy groups that work to defend and protect the freedom of expression rights of the First Amendment, followed by a list of issues that concern the organizations.
We have a right to news, information, and entertainment without government restrictions, to speak out in nonviolent ways, to organize and attend demonstrations, marches, and public meetings, and to call and write our elected and appointed officials.
Discover valuable resources at these websites, including action alerts, how-to guides, news reports, position papers, event announcements, videos, and newsletters.
First Amendment, adopted Dec. 15, 1791: “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
A leading organization dedicated to defending and preserving individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, including free speech and freedom of the press.
A nonpartisan foundation that advocates for free speech and a free press, providing resources and education on First Amendment issues.
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
A nonprofit organization that provides legal resources and support to journalists, focusing on protecting the rights of reporters and promoting press freedom.
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)
An organization that works to defend against censorship and promote freedom of expression in schools, libraries, and other public forums.
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
A nonprofit organization that defends civil liberties in the digital world, focusing on issues of free expression, privacy, and innovation online.
An organization of writers and allies that champions the freedom to write and the protection of free expression, advocating for writers facing censorship and persecution.
Freedom of the Press Foundation
Focuses on supporting and defending the rights of journalists and promoting transparency in government through the protection of free press.
Student Press Law Center (SPLC)
A nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of student journalists, providing legal assistance and resources to ensure their freedom of expression in educational settings.
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)
An organization that defends and sustains individual rights at American colleges and universities, focusing on free speech and academic freedom.
An organization that advocates for the rights of creators and publishers, focusing on free expression and opposing censorship in the media.
First Amendment Free Expression Issues
Censorship of Media and Press: The suppression of information and ideas by governments, institutions, or individuals that limits the ability of journalists and media outlets to report freely and accurately.
Digital Privacy and Surveillance: Concerns about government and corporate surveillance practices that infringe on individuals' privacy and freedom of expression online, including monitoring of communications and data collection.
Free Speech on College Campuses: Issues surrounding the ability of students and faculty to express ideas and opinions freely on college campuses, often clashing with campus policies or societal pressures.
Protection of Journalists and Whistleblowers: The need for legal protections for journalists and whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing or corruption, often facing threats or retaliation for their work.
Online Harassment and Hate Speech: The challenges of balancing free expression with the need to protect individuals from harassment and hate speech in online spaces, raising questions about moderation and accountability.
Restrictions on Artistic Expression: Efforts to censor or restrict artistic works that challenge societal norms or political ideologies, affecting artists' rights to express themselves freely.
Government Transparency and Access to Information: The importance of citizens' rights to access government information and documents, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Public Assembly and Protest Rights: The rights of individuals to gather peacefully and protest for their beliefs are crucial for democratic engagement and social change.
Youth Access to Information and Expression: The right of young people to access diverse information and express their opinions freely, particularly in educational settings where censorship can occur.
Freedom to Lobby Elected Officials: Involves the right of citizens to communicate with their representatives and influence policymaking; advocates for transparency in lobbying practices to ensure an equitable political process.