News & Commentary

Apr 29, 2024

Open Letter to College and University Presidents on Student Protests

Academic freedom and free speech are essential. Universities must protect them.

A faculty rally in favor of academic free speech is held in the main quad at Columbia University in New York.
Mar 27, 2024

Remembering Candace Dunn Morgan (1942 — 2023)

As Women’s History month draws to a close, we want to take a moment to remember Candance Dunn Morgan, a woman who left an indelible mark on the ACLU of Oregon. Candy was a long-time ACLU board member who also served two stints as the Board president from 2005 – 2006 and 2011 – 2014.

By Jackie Yerby, she/her

A black and white photo of Candace against a book page background with pressed flowers. A banner at the top reads: "In Memory of Candance Dunn Morgan, librarian, ACLU supporter, advocate"
Feb 23, 2024

In Support of Curiosity and Representation

Jackie Yerby's written and personal testimony in support of SB 1583A — Freedom to Read, February 15, 2024

By Jackie Yerby, she/her

A pile of I Read Banned Books pins
Feb 22, 2024

Book Bans Have No Place in Oregon Schools

A former Oregon teacher's personal and written testimony in support of SB 1583, submitted to the Senate Committee on Education on February 15, 2024.

By Amanda Elmer, she/her

A pile of I Read Banned Books pins
Feb 12, 2024

When Florida Officials Tried to Silence Our Pro-Palestinian Student Group, We Sued

A member of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at the University of Florida explains their fear and anxiety when Florida officials ordered the deactivation of SJP chapters at public universities in the state.

An exterior of the University of Florida.
Jan 25, 2024

The Importance of Defending the Free Speech Rights of Pro-Palestinian Students in Florida

Explore the critical case that could shape the future of public students’ right to free speech and free association on campus.

The ACLU is defending the Florida chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine's (SJP) right to free speech on campus. Learn more about the case.
Dec 30, 2023

Fighting Campus Censorship: The ACLU Defends Pro-Palestinian Voices in Florida

ACLU experts discuss our lawsuit on behalf of the University of Florida chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, and the importance of protecting the First Amendment on campuses.

Students walking down a campus.
Nov 09, 2023

We’ve Defended Trump’s First Amendment Rights, but his Latest Jan. 6 Indictment Claims are Nonsense

The First Amendment provides no license to conspire to overturn an election.

Ex-president Donald Trump at New York civil trial.
Nov 03, 2023

Why We Must Reject Efforts to Restrict Constitutionally Protected Speech on College Campuses

Calls to punish and silence student activists betray the Constitution and the spirit of free inquiry that is critical to life at public universities.

Individuals from Students for Justice in Palestine speak at the Boot Boeing! Free Palestine march and rally while they block all the entrances to Governor Pritzker's Chicago office in downtown Chicago.