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Free Speech

What We Defend

Freedom of speech is a human right and a fundamental American freedom. It’s essential for democracy, scientific progress, artistic expression, social justice, peace, and each individual’s ability to live authentically. 

At ֭, we believe free speech is a force for good and have been defending free speech since 1999.

We also know free speech is under threat. 

FIRE’s vision is an America in which people overwhelmingly believe in the right of others to freely express views different from their own, and expect their laws and educational institutions to reflect and teach this belief.

Arguments for freedom: The many reasons why free speech is essential

Peaceful protest with young woman speaking into a megaphone.
FIREplaintiff Jeff Gray holds a sign reading "God bless homeless vets"
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. FIREfiled three lawsuits on his behalf to vindicate his constitutional rights and won them all!

READ Jeff's Story

People standing in a line with speech bubbles above their heads

National Speech Index

Research

The National Speech Index is a quarterly poll designed by FIREand conducted by the Dartmouth Polarization Research Lab to capture Americans’ views on freedom of speech and the First Amendment, and to track how Americans’ views change over time.

Learn More
 

Ira Glasser looking over NYC skyline.

WATCH "MIGHTY IRA" DOCUMENTARY TRAILER

֭’s Feature Documentary: ‘Mighty Ira’

MOVIE

Amid high-profile controversies surrounding free speech and racial equality, former ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser reflects on his life at the forefront of defending the rights of all Americans.

Free Speech Resources

Learn more about your free speech rights in ֭'s research library.

Explore the issues

PR feature image CFSR

2025 College Free Speech Rankings expose threats to First Amendment rights on campus

“These rankings highlight a pivotal moment in higher education, where the tension between maintaining a free speech environment and navigating deeply polarizing issues is more pronounced than ever,” said FIRECEO Greg Lukianoff. 

Read the Press Release

College students engage in academic discussions outdoors on campus

Free Speech on Campus

FIREGuides

FIRE has distributed more than 138,000 print and online copies of its Guide to Free Speech on Campus to equip students with the rhetorical and legal tools to stand up for their rights. Explore the Guide to learn more about your rights.

Start Reading

Defending Free Speech

FIRE defends and sustains the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the essential qualities of liberty — and carries out this mission through several core services.

Daraius Dubash
Nothing is more powerful than being honest and open with people, and we’re standing up for our First Amendment rights that give us that voice.

Animal rights advocates sue after facing arrest

Public Advocacy

Daraius Dubash was arrested and handcuffed for two hours after peacefully demonstrating in a public park. The Law & Religion Clinic at the University of Texas and FIREare suing to protect the constitutional right to speak freely in public parks.

Learn More

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