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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, April 4, 2024
Learn how to advocate with your school board around issues of free speech.
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. 

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