The mayor of Surprise, Arizona had Rebekah Massie arrested in front of her 10-year-old daughter for questioning a city attorney’s pay at a council meeting Mayor cited unconstitutional rule banning complaints about city officials Free speech group FIRE sues in federal court to defend Americans’ right to criticize the government SURPRISE, Ariz., Sept. 3, 2024…
During a long car ride to Provincetown, my wife suggested we listen to a New York Times podcast on Phil Donahue (1935-2024) and his recent passing. I was marginally interested. “Sure, okay,” I replied. As I listened I became fascinated by the story of the man and his life, and especially his talk show legacy. Ken Paulson In the…
Meta’s Oversight Board has affirmed the social media company’s decision to leave up three Facebook posts containing the controversial slogan, “From the river to the sea.” The board’s determination that a blanket ban on the phrase would unjustifiably limit political speech aligns with what FIRE told the board in a public comment. The Oversight Board is an independent…
Back-to-school season means unpacking dorm rooms, finalizing course registration, and getting involved in campus activities. This year, it should also include reviewing the changes your college or university very likely made to their speech-related policies this summer. Colleges often update policies during the summer months when students are off campus. But after last year’s post-October…
University of Virginia takes the top spot, while Harvard, Columbia, and NYU share an “Abysmal” free speech status. 55% of students find it difficult to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus, the highest ever recorded on any issue. WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 5, 2024 – This year’s College Free Speech Rankings — released today by the Foundation for Individual…
FIRE is pleased to welcome political columnist and commentator Liz Peek to our Advisory Council, where she brings a wealth of experience in the media and financial industries to the fight for free expression. As a columnist for The Hill, Fox News, and the New York Sun, and a frequent on-air contributor to various Fox…
Not long ago, students at the University of Dayton in Ohio enjoyed “the full expression of their thoughts, positions, and opinions on all contemporary and intellectual issues.” No longer. FIRE wrote UD on Aug. 14, after school police officers subjected students to interrogation in direct retaliation for the students’ criticism of police. Criticizing police is, of course, protected…
Another Firm Closes An Eastern Office: Perkins Coie is moving its Asia-centered hub. Do You Know About The Boogeymen?: These are the firms you don’t want to go up against. Another State Is Turning Away From NextGen: Nevada is cooking up a cool alternative. Why Does This Sliding Scale Have Branches?: You’ll have to work…
Last year, Harvard earned the worst score ever recorded in FIRE’s College Free Speech Rankings: Zero. This year, the elite Ivy makes a repeat poor performance — and finds fresh company at the bottom, with NYU and Columbia joining the unenviable list of “abysmal” schools for free speech. With scores ranging from zero to 100, NYU plummeted…
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