First Amendment Watch and FIRE Launch Campus Free Speech Orientation Program
First Amendment Watch and FIRE are proud to launch a freshman orientation program aimed at teaching incoming college students about their free speech rights on campus. We've developed a series of modules for universities to utilize during freshman orientation, first-year seminars, and other campus programming to teach new college students about their rights and about common free speech issues they may encounter during their time in school
Limitations on Gathering Size to Slow Spread of Coronavirus Prompt First Amendment Questions
A group of residents in New Hampshire sued their government following limitations on large gatherings meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. Civil liberties experts explain why these restrictions, even when they affect political or religious gatherings, are likely to be upheld in court.
Director Ava DuVernay and Netflix Sued for Defamation
On March 18th, Linda Fairstein, the former head of Manhattan District Attorney’s Sex Crime unit, sued Netflix director Ava DuVernay, and co-writer and producer Attica Locke for defamation. The lawsuit, filed in district court in Fort Myers, Florida, claims that DuVernay’s five-part series, “When They See Us,” contains scenes that portray Fairstein “in a false and defamatory manner.”
Florida Works to Keep Official Meetings Accessible Amid COVID-19
Local officials in Florida experiment with digital technologies to ensure public access after the governor suspends law requiring in-person meetings.
Lawsuit Over Chalking Ban Dropped After Iowa State University Changes Some of Its Policies
A lawsuit filed in January against Iowa State University (ISU) has been dropped after the university agreed to amend some of its policies in an out-of-court settlement signed on March 10th.
BuzzFeed Sues CDC and FEMA for Failing to Comply to FOIA Request for Coronavirus-Related Materials
On March 13th, BuzzFeed reporter Jason Leopold filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and three other federal agencies over COVID-19 related records.
Justice Department’s Deputy Attorney General Looks to Amend Section 230
“After 25 years, it seems that the time has come for Congress to assess what changes to Section 230 are now needed and whether there are ways to realign some of its incentives in a better way,” Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said.
Newark Warns False Reporting of Coronavirus “Will Be Criminally Prosecuted”
In an attempt to tamp down on misinformation about the coronavirus, Newark’s Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose released a statement on March 11th warning that any false reporting about the virus in Newark could result in criminal prosecution.