The First Amendment is a cornerstone of American democracy. It allows us to express our views, challenge authority, and engage in public debate. In recent years, however, these freedoms have come under intense scrutiny; from debates over protests on college campuses to concerns about government retaliation against journalists and activists. Understanding what the First Amendment protects is more important than ever.
Today, Americans face new challenges to free expression: increasing restrictions on the right to protest to government censorship, and limits on free speech in schools and on campuses. Immigrants, students, and public employees have all faced threats to their rights, highlighting the need to stay informed about what the Constitution guarantees.
Hanna Stolzer/ACLU
We know you have questions. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most pressing questions we’ve received about the First Amendment in our series “Your Questions Answered.”