Press Releases
about Free Speech
Sep 04, 2026
ACLU, ACLU of D.C., and National Press Photographers Association Tell Court that Blocking Drone Photography of DHS Operations Violates First Amendment
In Friend-of-the-Court Brief, Free Speech Groups Urge Court to Block Airspace Restrictions Affecting Journalists
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Privacy & Technology
Court case: Levine v. FAA
Aug 24, 2026
Shortly After Filing, Government Upholds CatsOnACouch Creator’s Right to Attend Vance Event Today
On Friday, Amanda McGonigle’s legal team asked the court to ensure she can attend future official vice-presidential events without interference.
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: McGonigle v. Curran
Aug 21, 2026
CatsOnACouch Creator Asks Court to Allow Her to Attend Upcoming Vance Events
Amanda McGonigle was prohibited from attending a taxpayer-funded event with Vice President Vance earlier this year in retaliation for her social media account mocking the VP
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: McGonigle v. Curran
Aug 04, 2026
Tribunal Federal de Apelaciones invalida unánimemente la ley de censura de Puerto Rico aprobada durante la pandemia de COVID-19
La ley coartaba la labor periodística en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19 y amenazaba la libertad de prensa durante periodos de emergencias declaradas
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: Rodríguez-Cotto v. Pierluisi-Urrutia
Aug 04, 2026
Federal Appeals Court Unanimously Strikes Down Puerto Rico’s COVID-Era Censorship Law
The law chilled journalists’ reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic and threatened press freedom during declared emergencies
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: Rodríguez-Cotto v. Pierluisi-Urrutia
Aug 04, 2026
Professors Challenge Texas A&M System Over Censorship Policy, Detail Violations of Academic Freedom
Faculty have been instructed to remove educational materials — like the film “Moonlight” and writings by Plato — from syllabi following policy banning race, gender, and sexual orientation related topics
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Court case: AAUP v. Albritton
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The American Civil Liberties Union has media staff available to handle inquiries from journalists on national issues affecting civil liberties, including questions on legislative matters that touch on civil liberties and constitutional freedoms and inquiries related to ACLU lawsuits.
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Local inquiries should be directed to the appropriate ACLU state affiliate.
The Latest in Free Speech
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Washington, D.C.Sep 2026
Free Speech
Levine V. Faa. Explore Case.Levine v. FAA
On September 4, 2026, the ACLU, ACLU of D.C. and the National Press Photographers Association filed an amicus brief to urge the court to block airspace restrictions on drone flights, banning such flights over any Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility or “mobile asset,” which includes any DHS vehicle. -
Tennessee Supreme CourtAug 2026
Free Speech
Capital Punishment
Associated Press V. Nelsen. Explore Case.Associated Press v. Nelsen
Tennessee's execution policies prevent the press from witnessing critical stages before and after a state execution. However, the public needs to know how they work—or don't work—to participate in informed public debate. The ACLU's State Supreme Court Initiative, alongside the ACLU of Tennessee, filed an amicus brief explaining why a provision in the Tennessee Constitution that guarantees access to government proceedings requires greater press access to executions.