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.
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’s First Amendment Freedom Operation
Censoring public comments. Compelling speech. Suing people into silence. Sometimes it feels like no words are safe from suppression and coercion. FIRE’s First Amendment Freedom Operation proves that violating First Amendment rights has consequences. We take on cases of everyday people who run afoul of government officials just for speaking their minds. And we’re determined to emerge victorious, knowing a win for our clients is a win for all Americans.
Newsdesk
FIRE’s award-winning Newsdesk covers the free speech news you need to stay informed.
Have your free speech rights been violated?
If you face retaliation over protected speech, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
I have been harassed, trespassed, handcuffed and arrested countless times for peacefully exercising my First Amendment rights. My intention is to ensure that all Americans from the wealthiest millionaire to the poorest homeless person can exercise these rights without fear of consequence from our government.
Army vet arrested for holding ‘God Bless the Homeless Vets’ sign
Our Impact
Jeff Gray, a U.S. Army veteran and retired truck driver, has been repeatedly stopped, detained, searched, and arrested by the police. His alleged crime? Holding signs — in front of city halls across the United States. FIRE filed three lawsuits on his behalf to vindicate his constitutional rights and won them all!
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.
FIRE filed a lawsuit against the university to protect student press freedoms for Jared, The Indian Leader, and student journalists around the country.
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!
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.
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.
“I’m a professor of chemistry. How am I supposed to incorporate DEI into my classroom instruction? What’s the ‘anti-racist’ perspective on the atomic mass of boron?" — Reedley College Professor Bill Blanken
FIRE Has Your Back
Faculty Story
FIRE filed a lawsuit on behalf of six California community college professors to halt new, systemwide regulations forcing professors to espouse and teach politicized conceptions of “diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
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.
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.
Legal Clerkship
FIRE offers a 15-week, course-credited, in-semester legal clerkship for law students looking for hands-on First Amendment experience working for a dynamic, nonpartisan, civil liberties organization.
Arthur D. Hellman Fellowship in First Amendment Litigation
The Arthur D. Hellman Fellowship in First Amendment Litigation is an important tool in developing a structured pipeline to attract, train, and inspire law students who are committed to freedom of speech.
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