Free Speech

Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and is guaranteed to all Americans. Since 1920, the ACLU has worked to preserve our freedom of speech. Learn more and take action to protect the right to free speech.

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Stand Up for Little Rock

Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and is guaranteed to all Americans. Since 1920, the ACLU has worked to preserve our freedom of speech. Learn more and take action to protect the right to free speech.

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Press Release
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Grassroots Groups Move to Intervene in Ballot Measure Case to Defend First Amendment Rights

Two Arkansas grassroots groups moved to intervene today in an ongoing lawsuit to defend the First Amendment rights of Arkansans who use the ballot initiative process to organize, speak out, and propose new laws. 
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Court Cases: Protect AR Rights and For AR Kids v. Cole Jester and Tim Griffin
Press Release
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ACLU of Arkansas Files Lawsuit Challenging Retaliatory Firing of Library Director Patty Hector

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Patty Hector, the former director of the Saline County Library, against Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley and Saline County.
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Court Cases: Fayetteville Public Library v. Crawford County
Press Release
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ACLU of Arkansas Files Federal Lawsuit on Behalf of Election Official Targeted for Political Views

Plaintiff Barry Haas' free-speech rights were disregarded when he was denied an appointed position for the September 2021 special Little Rock tax election due to his personal political and ideological views.
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Court Case
Jul 10, 2025

Holt v. Payne

Court Case
Jun 11, 2025

Stinson v. Fayetteville School District No. 1

A group of seven multifaith Arkansas families has filed a federal lawsuit to stop Act 573, a new state law that requires all public elementary and secondary schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library.
Court Case
May 14, 2025

Protect AR Rights and For AR Kids v. Cole Jester and Tim Griffin

Court Case
Feb 03, 2025

Hector v. Brumley

The ACLU of Arkansas has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Patty Hector, the former director of the Saline County Library, against Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley and Saline County challenging Ms. Hector’s retaliatory termination after she publicly opposed censorship efforts.