Freedom of Expression

The ACLU of Maine is committed to protecting and expanding First Amendment freedoms through its work on a variety of issues including political protest, online expression and journalists' rights.

Freedom of Expression Collage

The ACLU of Maine is committed to protecting and expanding First Amendment freedoms through its work on a variety of issues including political protest, online expression and journalists' rights

The Latest


Press Release
Freedom of Expression Collage

ACLU of Maine, Advocates Urge Court to Block President Trump’s Unconstitutional Attacks on Academic Freedom

The amicus brief filed before the First Circuit argues that the administration violated Harvard’s rights to free speech and academic freedom by unlawfully revoking federal funding.
Issue Areas: Freedom of Expression
News & Commentary
McGonigle v. Curran

Our Latest Claw-suit to Purr-tect the First Amendment

Just because some elected officials can’t take a joke doesn’t mean the government can ban people from making them.
Resource
Love Our Constitution

Know Your Rights Training: ICE, Privacy, & Protests

Learn more about protesting, observing, recording, ICE at your home, protecting your privacy, and more.
Press Release
Love Our Constitution

ACLU of Maine Reacts to Possible ICE Surge, Shares New Know Your Rights Resources

The organization is sharing a quick reference guide so Maine residents can prepare for possible ICE encounters and find support if they or a loved one is detained.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Court Case
Jul 21, 2026

Harvard v. Health and Human Services – Academic Freedom

The federal government threatened to withhold billions of dollars in research funding from Harvard University after the school refused to adopt the government’s preferred ideological approach to who it admits to study, who it employs to teach, and what classes and other programs it offers.
Court Case
Jul 7, 2026

McGonigle v. Curran – Free Speech at Government Events

The government cannot ban people from public events just because elected officials can't handle their jokes. We’re suing the federal government for retaliating against our client by blocking her from an official, taxpayer-funded public event simply because she criticizes Vice President Vance online.
Court Case
Feb 27, 2026

Hussey v. Cambridge – Free Speech of Public Employees

We filed an amicus brief urging a federal appeals court to apply the correct test to determine if a Massachusetts police officer’s comments are protected by the First Amendment.
Court Case
Jan 8, 2026

Smith v. Trump – Human Rights Investigations and Free Speech

On April 11, 2025, the ACLU and ACLU of Maine filed a lawsuit on behalf of two human rights advocates who, because of an executive order signed by President Trump, have been forced to stop humanitarian work with the International Criminal Court.