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.

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

PSA to Student Protestors: You Have Rights

Washington Law Protects Against Suspensions for Walkouts

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

ACLU Comment on Supreme Court Decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District

News Release, Published:

Monday, June 27, 2022

The Supreme Court significantly eroded the separation of church and state in public schools.

Joint statement between the plaintiffs, Perkins Coie LLP, and the ACLU of Washington, regarding settlement in S.A.F.E. v. Selah

News Release, Published:

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Selah Alliance for Equality (S.A.F.E.) and the City of Selah, WA have agreed to a settlement to dismiss a case SAFE filed against the City in 2020 after community members alleged the city censored their free speech by erasing chalk messages and confiscating and destroying signs in support of racial equality and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Voting Rights Restoration in Washington State

Document, Published:

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Under Washington law, individuals convicted of felonies that have their right to vote automatically restored as soon as they have completed incarceration and any community custody required by the Department of Corrections. This brochure briefly explains the law and answers frequently asked questions.

Letter to Lawmakers Regarding Social Media Censorship

Document, Published:

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

The ACLU-WA sent a letter to Washington state lawmakers warning them of the issues around social media censorship

SAFE Preliminary Injunction

Document, Published:

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Court Document:

Selah Alliance for Equality, et al v. City of Selah

Statement on Ruling in SAFE v. City of Selah case

News Release, Published:

Monday, June 7, 2021

A federal court has temporarily blocked the city of Selah, Washington from enforcing three provisions of its municipal code, after finding that the Selah Alliance for Equality (SAFE) would likely succeed in proving its claims that the provisions are unconstitutional as currently written.