- What We Do
- What we defend
- Have your rights been violated?
  If you face retaliation over protected speech, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
  Submit a Case
- Make a difference
- FIRE Student Network
  FIRE’s 2022 College Free Speech Rankings are based on the voices of more than 44,000 currently enrolled students at 208 colleges and are designed to help parents and prospective students choose the right school.
  Build Your Network
- FIRE Legal Network
  The FIRE Legal Network is a nationwide group of attorneys to whom we refer cases when counsel is necessary and the matter at issue falls outside the scope of FIRE’s mission or ability to assist.
  Join the Network
- Resources
- College Free Speech Rankings
  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2022 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
  Explore Rankings
- Learn with FIRE
  Learn with FIRE provides learners with the opportunity to take courses on a wide range of topics, including free speech and due process, designed by our expert staff. Check out our library of resources to get started on your First Amendment journey!
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Legal Support

Defending Your Rights

FIRE strategically litigates in courts nationwide to vindicate the First Amendment and due process rights of college faculty and students. In 2022, we expanded our litigation mission beyond campus to preserve the free expression rights of everyday Americans. FIRE’s litigation team proactively seeks plaintiffs to participate in lawsuits that have the potential to set lasting legal precedents. Our lawyers also work to position FIRE as a thought leader in First Amendment jurisprudence by submitting amicus briefs in strategically chosen cases, teaching Continuing Legal Education courses, recruiting like-minded attorneys to the FIRE Legal Network, and publishing legal scholarship.

FIRE Legal Network

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Defending free speech since 1999

Facing censorship or retaliation for protected speech? FIRE lawyers are here to help you when your free speech rights are violated.

FIRE in the Courts

Newsdesk

FIRE’s award-winning Newsdesk covers the free speech news you need to stay informed.

Clovis Community College students Daniel Flores, Alejandro Flores, and Juliette Colunga.

Judge tears down California college’s discriminatory poster policy targeted in FIRE lawsuit

Press Release

October 17, 2022

A municipal court judge in New Jersey ordered homeowner Andrea Dick to remove banners containing the phrase “Fuck Biden” from her property or face a fine. The decision was widely derided as unconstitutional and the charges were dropped.

VICTORY: On First Amendment grounds, NJ woman’s ‘Fuck Biden’ flags free to fly another day

News

September 28, 2022

Sign outside the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse in New York City.

In Heim v. Daniel, FIRE pursues opportunity to bolster academic freedom in the Northeast

News

September 16, 2022

Photos of FIRE Plaintiffs Adriana Novoa and Sam Rechek

LAWSUIT: FIRE challenges Stop WOKE Act’s limits on how Florida professors can teach about race, sex

Press Release

September 7, 2022

Do I have a case? What is a case?

By “case,” we mean any situation you suspect represents a threat to your right to freedom of speech, freedom of association, or sanctity of conscience. Additionally, if you are at an institution of higher education, we will consider cases involving due process, legal equality, and religious liberty.

Case Submission FAQ

FIRE in the Courts

Student journalist SUES his university, and WINS!

FIRE on Campus

The president of Haskell Indian Nations University issued an unconstitutional directive to student journalist Jared Nally, editor-in-chief of the award winning student newspaper, The Indian Leader, that formally forbade Jared from engaging in protected journalistic activities. He also directed Jared to start showing university administrators the “highest respect” — or else!

Read About Jared’s Victory in Court

Student Press Freedom Initiative

Are you a student journalist? FIRE has your back. Our Student Press Freedom Initiative (SPFI) defends free press on campus by advocating for the rights of student journalists across the country.

Learn more about how FIRE defends the free student press

Faculty Legal Defense Fund

The Faculty Legal Defense Fund offers “first responder” assistance to protect the expressive and academic freedom of faculty at public colleges and universities. So if you face censorship or retaliation for your instruction or scholarship, or for your speech on issues of public concern as a private citizen, then FLDF may be able to help.

Learn More About FLDF

FLDF Hotline

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University of Washington Professor Stuart Reges

University administrators turned me into a pariah on campus because I included a land acknowledgment that wasn’t sufficiently progressive for them.

Defending Your Rights in Court

Faculty Story

When Professor Stuart Reges challenged the University of Washington’s position on land acknowledgements, administrators punished him, undermining his academic freedom. He reached out to FIRE, and we took the university to court. “I am pleased that FIRE joined with me to fight back against University of Washington’s illegal viewpoint discrimination,” said Reges.

Read Stuart’s Story

Get Involved

Are you a legal professional interested in helping clients with First Amendment cases? Check out FIRE’s opportunities for you to make a difference by helping someone when they need it most.