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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!

Resources

Published: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024
There’s an ongoing push to restrict or remove diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) from education and the workplace.
Published: 
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
While it will take some time to determine exactly how this decision will impact Washington State, we offer some preliminary guidance in this FAQ.

Know Your Rights Guide: Protests

Document, Published: 
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
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. 
News Release, Published: 
Monday, June 27, 2022
The Supreme Court significantly eroded the separation of church and state in public schools.
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.  

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