News Archive

Podcast Series

So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast

So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast takes an uncensored look at the world of free expression through the law, philosophy, and stories that define your right to free speech. Hosted by ��֭��'s Nico Perrino.

New episodes post every other Thursday.

Podcast

The Supreme Court's decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton

June 27, 2025

FIRE staff responds to the Court's decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton that addresses a Texas law requiring age verification for accessing certain sexual material online. Joining us: -- Legal director -- Chief counsel --...

News

FIRE statement on Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton upholding age verification for adult content

June 27, 2025

Today, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold Texas's age-verification law for sites featuring adult content, effectively reversing decades of Supreme Court precedent that protects the free speech rights of adults to access information without jumping over government age-verification hurdles.

News

Orchestrated silence: How one of America’s most elite music schools expelled a student for reporting harassment

June 26, 2025

Rebecca Bryant Novak earned her spot at one of the world’s top music schools. But after reporting her advisor for harassment, she says the school turned on her. Now FIREis demanding answers.

News

FIRE to court: AI speech is still speech — and the First Amendment still applies

June 26, 2025

Is AI-generated speech speech? In a new amicus brief, FIREsays yes — and warns that when it comes to free speech and emerging tech, early missteps can echo for decades.

News

Voters want AI political speech protected – and lawmakers should listen

June 26, 2025

New polling shows voters fear AI — but fear government censorship more. As lawmakers push new rules, are they protecting elections or silencing speech?

Press Release

VICTORY: New York high school to strengthen First Amendment protections following FIRElawsuit

June 25, 2025

FIREagreed to drop its First Amendment lawsuit against Chappaqua Central School District after the board of education adopted a robust First Amendment regulation that will protect the constitutional free speech rights of its students.

News

Federal court backs teachers fired over trans protest

June 20, 2025

FIREhelped revive a lawsuit for two Oregon educators fired over opposing a gender policy, and now the courts have decided their First Amendment claim deserves a trial.

News

Speak up, get expelled: the Eastman way

June 18, 2025

Rebecca Bryant Novak spoke out about harassment. Eastman punished her for it. Now FIREis demanding the University of Rochester reverse her expulsion and uphold its promises.

Press Release

University of Rochester student expelled after detailing school's mishandling of harassment complaint on Substack

June 18, 2025

Eastman confirmed her claims. Then expelled her. FIREis demanding the University of Rochester reinstate Rebecca Bryant Novak and stop retaliating against students who speak out.