The U.S. Constitution provides a basic minimum of protection for individual rights, while leaving states free to enact laws that protect those rights more broadly. Unfortunately, our constitutional rights are being undermined by all levels of government. The Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation is dedicated to defending individual liberty in court, while our Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy works to defend our founding principles and instill those values into our next generation of Americans.
Constitutional Rights
Recent Highlights
Florida School Hides Child’s ‘Gender Transition’—Goldwater Stands Up for Parents
A Florida mom and dad were shocked to find out that officials at their 13-year-old daughter’s middle school had secretly met with the teen and developed a plan for how to recognize her asserted gender identity. Now th...
Outrageous! Taxpayers Will Pay Randi Weingarten a Pension Because of Government’s Special Deals with Unions
New York taxpayers are on the hook to pay government pension benefits for teachers union boss Randi Weingarten — one of the most powerful political operatives in the country — even though she hasn’t stepped into...
What’s Happening in the Phoenix’s Homeless “Zone” Lawsuits?
The immense homeless encampment in downtown Phoenix, known as “The Zone,” is now the subject of two lawsuits—one in state court, and the other in federal court. The state lawsuit was brought by a group of proper...
Honor the Heroes Who Sacrificed Everything in Defense of Liberty
This Memorial Day weekend, with humble gratitude, we thank the men and women who paid the ultimate price for liberty. As President Reagan reminded us, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...
More About Our Work to Defend Constitutional Rights
Free Speech on Campus
Violent protests have shut down speakers on campuses across the country, and administrators are refusing to protect speakers’ and students’ First Amendment rights. Our nation’s precious tradition of freedom of speech is increasingly imperiled in universities and in society at large. Read about Goldwater’s plan to restore free speech on campus.
Defending the Second Amendment
Cities and states routinely overstep their authority and trample on our constitutional rights. In Illinois, for example, the state deprives citizens of their Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms through a constitutionally questionable application process that is indefinitely delaying citizens’ ability to purchase a firearm. The Goldwater Institute’s team of attorneys are suing the state to ensure the Second Amendment is upheld. Read more about the case.
Ensuring Equal Protection for Native American Children
All children deserve the equal protection of the law. But under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Native American children are deprived of the legal protections that children of other races enjoy. The Goldwater Institute is challenging this law and fighting to defend the constitutional rights of these children. Read more about it here.
More Issues
Property Rights
Goldwater is protecting a cornerstone of Americans’ liberty: the right to own and use their property as they see fit.
Jobs & Economy
When government stands in the way of people who just want to pursue their career, Goldwater breaks down barriers to work.
Free Speech
Free speech is under attack in America. But Goldwater is leading the fight to protect Americans’ right to speak their minds.
Healthcare
Goldwater is unleashing innovation in healthcare, fighting to protect and expand patient choice, access, and affordability.
Constitutional Rights
Anytime government threatens to trample the U.S. Constitution, Goldwater is ready to go to court to defend our rights.
Limited Government
Goldwater takes down cronyism, sweetheart deals, and government overreach so Americans are treated fairly and equally.
Education
Goldwater is expanding school choice nationwide so families can get their children the education they deserve.
Academic Transparency
Parents have a right to know what's being taught in the classroom, and we're defending that right.
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