Parents Defending Education v. Olentangy Local School District Board of Education

Olentangy School District seeks to compel all students to use another student’s chosen pronouns while chatting in the hallway, regardless of a student’s religious, moral, or philosophical objections. But the discomfort or personal offense of one student cannot justify forcing another student to violate his own conscience.

L.M. v. Town of Middleborough

Can a school ban a student from wearing a non-obscene, non-vulgar shirt on the grounds that it will upset other students, even if it is not targeted at a particular student? The First Amendment says no, even if a federal court in Massachusetts ruled otherwise.

Boren v. Gadwa: FIRE Defends Idaho Firewatcher Against SLAPP

American democracy is built upon the idea that “debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open.” But rather than participate in the marketplace of ideas, some turn to the courts to silence their critics. The First Amendment, however, does not tolerate censorship-by-lawsuit.

Free Speech Coalition v. Colmenero

Dubash v. City of Houston, et al.: The First Amendment protects expression in a public park — no matter who manages it.

In America, public parks are quintessential places for free expression. That’s why the First Amendment so strongly protects speech in both.

Thomas v. Leagle

Ashland University: Student Newspaper Advisor Dismissed and Publication Subjected to Prior Review, Raising Academic Freedom and Free Press Uncertainty

Within hours of an administrator criticizing the student newspaper The Collegian, Ashland dismissed its adviser, citing concerns that his “approach” to journalism was “problematic for Ashland.”

School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Graduate Student Investigated for Expressing Religious Beliefs

On July 20, 2023, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduate student Ann Gould presented artwork, which cited the biblical passage 1 Timothy 4:20. The following day, another student approached her and asked if Gould believed the student was going to hell for having gay sex, in response to which Gould tried to change the subject. That student then filed a Title IX complaint against Gould, who was told by an administrator during investigation of the complaint that Gould does not have free speech at SAIC due to the institution's commitment to diversity. FIRE wrote SAIC on August 28, explaining that its investigation of Gould raised First Amendment concerns because notifying students of unmeritorious Title IX claims chills speech, and that stating that students lack freedom of speech at SAIC conflicts with the institution’s promises written into SAIC policies.

Daytona State College: Cancellation of Art Exhibit Raises Censorship Concerns

FIRE joins advocacy groups to urge Daytona State to reschedule an art exhibit after reports question whether it was canceled due to concerns about its content.

Washington College: Protesters Disrupt, Force Cancellation of Event Featuring Princeton Professor

FIRE calls on Washington College to do more than just criticize disruptors of Professor Robert George’s speech.