Free speech
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Washington ExaminerFederal Judge Blocks West Point Faculty Speech Restrictions
A federal judge blocked restrictions requiring West Point civilian faculty to obtain prior approval before speaking to outside groups. The ruling applies only to civilian professors and leaves the policy in place for active-duty faculty.
thehindu.comNational Secular Society files complaint against Essex preacher with Charity Commission
The National Secular Society has lodged a formal complaint with the Charity Commission regarding Stephen Clayden, leader of the Bread of Life Community Church in Clacton. The complaint cites statements made in sermons about Islam, marriage, and gender roles. The church holds regi…
bbc.co.ukSupreme Court Sides With Trump Administration on Immigration Judges Speech Case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a lower-court ruling that had allowed immigration judges to sue over speech restrictions in federal court. The decision directs the judges to pursue their claims through the federal employee complaint system instead.
pbs.orgIndiana university agrees to $225,000 settlement over firing tied to Kirk post
A former Ball State University employee will receive $225,000 after suing over her termination for a private Facebook comment about Charlie Kirk. The American Civil Liberties Union announced the agreement on Tuesday.
Just the NewsBall State University Settles Lawsuit Over Firing Tied to Charlie Kirk Post
A former Ball State University employee will receive $225,000 to settle a federal lawsuit alleging her termination violated free-speech rights. The American Civil Liberties Union filed the case last year on behalf of Suzanne Swierc.
The IndependentBall State University Settles Lawsuit Over Firing Tied to Charlie Kirk Post
A former Ball State University employee will receive $225,000 to settle a federal lawsuit alleging her termination violated free-speech protections. The American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit last year on behalf of Suzanne Swierc.
vox.comProfessor Ronald Den Otter to Guest-Blog on Student Free Speech in Public Schools
Reason announced that Prof. Ronald Den Otter of Cal Poly will guest-blog this week about his new book on free speech rights for junior high and high school students. The book argues for stronger protections under the Tinker substantial disruption test.
techjuice.pkU.K. Government Uses Online Safety Act to Remove Social Media Posts
The U.K. government applied the Online Safety Act to remove posts from platforms including TikTok. Officials also used facial recognition at a rally and barred some speakers from entering the county.
ForbesCelebrities Release Video Honoring Late-Night Host's Final Show
A group of actors and entertainers issued a video message ahead of the final episode of a long-running late-night program. The Committee for the First Amendment organized the tribute and outlined its mission to defend free expression.
nypost.comFlorida Wildlife Agency Settles Free Speech Lawsuit for $485,000
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission agreed to pay $485,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former employee who was fired after reposting a satirical social media post about Charlie Kirk. The settlement includes back wages, damages, attorney fees, and a neutral em…
The GuardianTennessee Officials Pay $835,000 Settlement Over Man Jailed for Facebook Post
Tennessee officials agreed to pay $835,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a man who spent 37 days in jail after posting a meme about Charlie Kirk's assassination. The case drew attention because online comments about Kirk's death rarely led to criminal charges.
Ars TechnicaTennessee Officials Pay $835,000 to Settle Lawsuit Over Facebook Meme Arrest
Tennessee officials agreed to pay $835,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by retired police officer Larry Bushart, who spent 37 days in jail after posting a meme referencing a school shooting. The settlement ends claims that Perry County and its sheriff violated Bushart's Firs…
alternet.orgJournalist Settles Lawsuit With Trump Administration Over COVID-Era Twitter Ban
Alex Berenson reached a $150,000 settlement with the federal government that includes an acknowledgment the government violated the First Amendment by pressuring social media companies to suppress his speech. The agreement resolves claims against official-capacity defendants but…
martechseries.comX Objects to Unmasking Anonymous Users in Tate Brothers' Defamation Lawsuit
X filed a response on May 11, 2026, arguing that a Florida lawsuit by Andrew and Tristan Tate fails to meet First Amendment standards required to unmask anonymous users. The social media platform cited long-standing Supreme Court protections for anonymous internet speech. The cas…
Fox NewsCanadian Professor Says University Fired Him for Social Media Defense of Israel
Paul Finlayson, a non-Jewish professor at the University of Guelph-Humber, said he was suspended in November 2023 and fired in July 2025 after responding to an online post he described as calling for the eradication of Israel. The university cited violations of the Ontario Human…
deccanchronicle.comTrump Administration Defends Policy Allowing Visa Restrictions on Foreign Content Moderation Advocates
The Trump administration defended a State Department policy that permits restricting visas for foreign officials who pressure American technology platforms to adopt global content moderation standards. A nonprofit group of independent technology researchers filed a lawsuit seekin…
Al JazeeraFederal Judge Blocks U.S. Sanctions on U.N. Expert
A federal judge ruled that the State Department violated the First Amendment rights of Francesca Albanese by imposing sanctions after she urged war crimes prosecutions related to Israel's war in Gaza. The temporary block halts measures that froze her U.S. assets and barred her en…
jpost.comSarah Lawrence Student Senate Rejects J Street U Chapter Application
A group of Jewish students at Sarah Lawrence College sought to form a campus chapter of J Street U after the October 7 attacks. The student senate rejected the application and a subsequent appeal, comparing the group to a white supremacist organization in deliberations.
nypost.comNYU Selects Professor Jonathan Haidt as 2026 Commencement Speaker
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt will address graduates at Yankee Stadium on Thursday after NYU administrators praised him as one of the most consequential scholars of the 21st century. The Student Government Assembly’s executive committee objected in a statement emailed May 5, callin…
foxnews.comRetired Pastor Convicted for Open-Air Service Near Northern Ireland Abortion Clinic
A 78-year-old retired pastor in Northern Ireland was found guilty on Thursday of conducting an illegal abortion protest. He held a short open-air church service near a hospital abortion facility within the 150-meter buffer zone where protests are banned. The conviction has drawn…
foxnews.comLawsuit Against University of Washington Social Work School Over Student Essay Can Proceed
A federal judge ruled that a student's First Amendment and breach of contract claims against the University of Washington Tacoma can go to a jury. The student alleged that a professor initiated a professional standards review after disagreeing with the student's views on women's…
Nbc NewsTrump Administration Indicts Comey Over Seashell Photo
The Trump administration secured an indictment against the former FBI director for an Instagram post showing seashells arranged as "8647." Comey called the case an example of the president's desire for revenge and said he will continue speaking out. Legal experts questioned wheth…
The GuardianBoard of Immigration Appeals Issues Final Removal Order for Mahmoud Khalil
The Board of Immigration Appeals issued a final administrative removal order for legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil in April 2026, nine days after final briefing. Internal documents showed the case was flagged as high priority. Khalil's legal team said the proceedings were c…
The Sydney Morning HeraldFCC Launches Investigation Into ABC's 'The View' Over Equal Airtime Rules
The Federal Communications Commission is examining whether the daytime talk show 'The View' violated long-standing equal airtime requirements for political candidates. ABC has responded by asserting a 2002 news exemption and warning that the inquiry threatens First Amendment righ…
consequenceofsound.netM.I.A. Removed From Kid Cudi Tour After Onstage Comments
British musician M.I.A. was removed from Kid Cudi's Rebel Ragers Tour following her May 2 performance in Dallas. During the show she discussed being canceled for supporting Republicans and made references to immigration and visa issues. The artist later posted a statement defendi…
newser.comALA Reports 4,235 Unique Books Challenged in 2025, Second-Highest Total on Record
The American Library Association documented a surge in challenges driven by activists and government officials, with nonfiction titles doubling in the latest school year according to PEN America. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe ranked third on the most-challenged list after leading f…
cnbc.comDisney Files FCC Objection Over Regulation of 'The View' Guests
The company objected this week to federal efforts to regulate political guests on its daytime talk show 'The View,' calling the move unprecedented and a threat to free speech. The filing marks the second recent instance in which the company has resisted pressure related to its pr…
Los Angeles TimesABC Requests FCC Ruling on 'The View' News Interview Exemption
ABC and KTRK-TV submitted a filing made public on May 8, 2026, arguing that FCC actions targeting the long-running show's bona fide news exemption threaten decades of settled law. The dispute stems from a February 2026 interview with Senate candidate James Talarico and broader FC…
ecns.cnGreece Proposes Requiring Real Identity Verification on Social Media
The Greek government will require social media platforms to verify users' real identities under a plan developed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou said users should post opinions only with their real identities so they can be…
jta.orgEconomist Withdraws as Georgetown Law Commencement Speaker
A pro-Israel economist and former university president stepped down from delivering the address at Georgetown University Law Center’s graduation ceremony scheduled for May 17. The withdrawal followed a student petition objecting to his published views on Israel and campus protest…
jta.orgRutgers Rescinds Graduation Speech Invitation Over Speaker’s Social Media Posts on Palestine
Rutgers University cancelled an invitation for Rami Elghandour to deliver a graduation address at its School of Engineering after receiving complaints from some students about his social media posts concerning Palestine. Elghandour, a Rutgers engineering alumnus and biotechnology…
yahoo.comRutgers University Withdraws Graduation Speaker Invitation Over Speaker’s Criticism of Israel
Rutgers University rescinded an invitation for a business leader to deliver a convocation address at its School of Engineering after learning that some graduating students would not attend due to the speaker’s social media posts about Israel. The speaker had been scheduled for th…
foxnews.comAmerican Commentator Challenges Charges from Previous Administration Over Russian TV Work
An American commentator who worked for Russian TV is contesting charges brought by the previous administration. The administration described him as a Russian propagandist. He argues the charges infringe on free speech rights.
Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Trump Termination of TPS for Haitians and Syrians
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider on Wednesday whether the Trump administration can terminate temporary protected status for more than 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. The case arises from lawsuits challenging the administration's actions, amid a history of differential tre…
channel4.comUK Transport Secretary Discusses New Protest Laws and Police Powers
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that new protest laws will provide police with additional powers. She did not confirm whether the laws would make specific phrases illegal. The discussion occurred in an interview with @TrevorPTweets.
thewrap.comGriffin and Kelly Defend Kimmel After Trump Calls for His Firing
Comedian Kathy Griffin and podcaster Megyn Kelly have spoken out in defense of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following President Trump's demands that ABC fire him over a joke about Melania Trump. Kelly described the calls as inappropriate while acknowledging the joke was out of li…
foxnews.comJames Comey Charged Over Instagram Post Showing Seashells
A federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges related to an Instagram post showing seashells arranged as '86 47,' alleged to threaten President Trump. Legal experts question the case's strength under First Amendment protections. This marks the second Ju…
680news.comActing Attorney General Blanche States Threats to President Not Protected as Free Speech
Acting Attorney General Blanche addressed the distinction between free speech and threats of violence against the president. He stated that the line is not difficult to understand. The statement responds to critics questioning the boundaries of protected speech.
thehindu.comBrazilian Court Sentences Left-Wing Leader to 2 Years for Antisemitic Speech
A leader of a left-wing party in Brazil received a two-year prison sentence for a speech at a protest. The speech condemned Israeli Zionists and justified armed resistance against Israel. The conviction was for racism against Jews, as reported by @ggreenwald.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewPre-K Teacher Fired After Publicly Wishing Assassination of Political Figure
A Pre-K teacher was dismissed from her position after making a public statement wishing a political figure had been assassinated. She later changed her TikTok username in an attempt to avoid attention. The incident was reported by @MarioNawfal.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewFIRE Brief Challenges Defense Secretary's Authority to Censure Retired Officer Sen. Mark Kelly
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression filed a brief arguing against extending speech restrictions to military retirees in a case involving Sen. Mark Kelly. The dispute arises from Kelly's public statements criticizing military actions under President Donald Trump. A…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewRussian Director Compares US Campus Speech Limits to Russian Censorship
Aleksandr Molochnikov, a Russian theater director exiled for supporting Ukraine, described free speech restrictions at Columbia University as similar to those under Russia's regime. He fled to New York in 2022 after being fired for anti-war posts.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewExiled Russian Director Describes Similarities in Speech Restrictions Between Russia and New York
A Russian theater director who fled to New York City after opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine reported encountering speech limitations at Columbia University that reminded him of conditions in Russia. He described experiences of self-censorship and fear of reporting in academi…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Free Speech Concerns
An independent peer warned that proposals to ban social media for those under 16 could lead to broader state control over online communication. The UK government is consulting on measures including age verification and limits on addictive features. Experts presented varying views…
ksl.comUtah Valley University Selects Sharon McMahon as Commencement Speaker Amid Backlash
Utah Valley University has chosen author and educator Sharon McMahon to deliver its commencement address. The selection has drawn criticism from some students due to McMahon's past comments about Charlie Kirk, who was killed on the campus. Critics described the choice as insensit…
Piotr Włodarczyk from London, UK / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 2.0)UK Police Resume Arrests of Suspected Palestine Action Supporters After Court Ruling
The Metropolitan Police announced the resumption of arrests for suspected supporters of the proscribed group Palestine Action. This follows a High Court ruling in February that deemed the government's ban on the group unlawful. The decision comes as an appeal against the ruling i…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewRobert Del Naja of Massive Attack Arrested at Palestine Protest
Robert Del Naja, a member of the band Massive Attack, was arrested at a protest related to Palestine. The arrest occurred on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed organization. Police took him into custody during the event.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewGlenn Greenwald Criticizes Efforts to Limit Reporting on Foreign Governments' Statements
Journalist Glenn Greenwald stated that groups supporting Israel are attempting to restrict Americans' free speech and press freedoms by criminalizing the reporting of statements from governments involved in conflicts. He argued that journalists should report statements from all p…
StateofIsrael / Wikimedia (CC BY 2.0)Glenn Greenwald Reports Ongoing Efforts by Israel Supporters to Limit Criticism in the West
Glenn Greenwald stated that supporters of Israel are working to restrict free speech rights in the United States and other Western countries. The efforts aim to prevent criticism of Israel. This follows previous instances of such actions reported by Greenwald.