Latest From ACLU of Washington

Confronting the role of structural racism in policing (and elsewhere) must be at the core of our work to save lives and ensure police are there to serve and protect.

Protest—and engagement in vigorous political debate—lies at the core of our democracy.  But incitement to violence, and actual participation in violence, has no place in the First Amendment. Cities and their police departments have a duty to protect all residents from physical violence while accommodating the rights of all people who seek to protest. Here are some questions and answers about First Amendment, free speech, and protest rights.