The First Amendment guarantees our freedoms of speech and association, which allow us to learn new ideas, share knowledge, and join with others in speaking out against government that threatens our liberty. Although often overlooked, state constitutions also protect speech⎯and they do so more broadly than the U.S. Constitution. Today, free speech is under attack as speakers are silenced on college campuses, as government threatens the privacy of donors to non-profit organizations, and as Americans are compelled to speak against their will in order to practice their professions. The Goldwater Institute is taking action all across the country, wherever the front in this war against the First Amendment is being waged, by establishing new legal protections for free speech and vindicating existing rights in court.
Free Speech
Recent Highlights
Outrage Mob Tried Canceling Free Speech. Here’s What Happened Instead
Maybe you’ve heard this one before: College campus. Conservative speaker. Leftist students. Outrage. Canceled. It’s an all-too-familiar trend leading to the quashing of the freedom of speech, and it’s happening aro...
Terrified Student Hides in Bathroom to Escape Furious Leftist Mob
Illiberal activists don’t want to debate ideas they disagree with—they want to silence them. In just the latest example of this hostile climate for free speech at colleges and universities across the country, a lefti...
Liberty in Action: Goldwater Leads the Fight for America’s Future
For 250 years, our country has fought against tyranny and oppression across the globe. We’ve spread the ideas of freedom and equality to nearly every continent, and in so doing defended our liberties here at home. But ...
VICTORY! Virginia School Board Quietly Abandons Lawsuit Against Parents
By Timothy Sandefur December 27, 2021 The Fairfax County School Board quietly asked a judge last week to dismiss the lawsuit it filed against two Virginia moms for publishing information about how th...
More about our free speech work
Restoring free speech on campus
Surveys show that student support for restrictive speech codes and speaker bans is at historic heights. 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.
Protecting Donor Privacy
Nonprofit groups have the right to advocate for issues that are important to them without risking the privacy of their donors. But state and local governments – such as Santa Fe, Denver, and Tempe, Arizona – are increasingly forcing these groups to turn their donor lists over to the government whenever they communicate with voters about local ballot initiatives. Read about Goldwater’s work to defend donor privacy.
Preventing Compelled Speech
Government is increasingly violating the critical democratic right to speak out on political matters, by forcing people to engage in speech against their will. We’re in court in states across the country to fight back against laws that force people to contribute to political groups they disagree with. Read more about our work.
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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