Speech

West Point Professor Launches Landmark Lawsuit, Defending Free Speech Rights Against Academy’s New Policy

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West Point, New York – The U.S. Military Academy is facing a federal lawsuit from one of its longest-serving law professors, Tim Bakken, who claims the institution’s new policy infringes on his First Amendment rights. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges that a recently implemented rule requires faculty members to seek prior approval before speaking publicly or publishing academic papers in their official roles. Bakken, who is representing over 100 civilian faculty members in a class-action suit, argues that the February 13, 2025, rule is designed to suppress speech that … Read more

Federal Judge Grants Mizzou Palestinian Students Access to Homecoming Parade with Political Speech Restrictions

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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A federal judge ruled Friday that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Missouri may participate in the homecoming parade this weekend, provided they adhere to the university’s policy against political messaging during the event. The organization had filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that officials infringed on their rights to free speech when they denied the group’s request to be part of the parade. U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough granted a preliminary injunction, indicating that the group has a substantial chance of success with their First Amendment claims. … Read more

Rights Groups Urge Lebanon’s Parliament to Prioritize Free Speech in New Media Law Draft Amid Troubling Amendments

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Beirut, Lebanon — As Lebanon’s lawmakers prepare to finalize a critical media law, a coalition of 14 rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, urged legislators to prioritize the protection of freedom of expression. The evolving legislation, initially seen as a chance to bolster media rights, has raised alarms over proposed amendments that could undermine these freedoms. The recommended changes to the draft law have come under scrutiny for potentially reintroducing penalties that stifle journalistic integrity. Advocates call for the elimination of criminal fines associated with defamation, blasphemy, and public criticism as well as the prevention … Read more

Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration’s $2 Billion Harvard Funding Freeze Illegal, Upholding Free Speech Rights

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BOSTON — A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration’s freeze of over $2 billion in grant funding for Harvard University, prompted by allegations of campus antisemitism, is illegal. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs determined that the government had violated the First Amendment by attempting to influence the university’s internal policies and academic independence. In her 84-page ruling, Judge Burroughs emphasized the need to balance the fight against antisemitism with the protection of free speech rights. She stated that while combating such prejudice is crucial, it should not come at the expense of constitutional … Read more