Twelve students are suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the head of the Pentagon school system for violating their First Amendment rights through widespread book bans targeting titles on race and gender. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU, alleges that this censorship, stemming from Trump-era executive orders, harms students’ education and access to critical information. The bans affect DoDEA schools globally, impacting curriculum and even yearbook content. The plaintiffs seek the immediate reinstatement of removed books and curriculum materials.
Read More
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s statement that those who “preach hate for America” will face deportation sparked widespread criticism. Miller made the remark while defending the deportation of a Salvadoran gang member and a Hamas-supporting protester, Mahmoud Khalil. This declaration ignited concerns that the administration is undermining First Amendment protections of free speech and dissent. The controversy highlights escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the potential for suppressing political opposition.
Read More
In response to a Trump executive order deemed retaliatory, Susman Godfrey, the firm behind a successful $787 million lawsuit against Fox News, filed suit. The executive order bars the firm from federal contracts, revokes employee security clearances, and prohibits access to federal buildings. This action, described as unconstitutional and discriminatory, is viewed as part of a broader Trump administration campaign targeting law firms challenging his administration. Susman Godfrey’s lawsuit, supported by Munger Tolles & Olson, challenges the president’s actions and asserts the right of lawyers to represent clients without fear of reprisal.
Read More
A federal judge ruled that the White House must restore the Associated Press’s access to events where other journalists are permitted, citing a First Amendment violation. The judge found that the administration’s restriction of AP access, based on their refusal to use President Trump’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico, constituted viewpoint discrimination. The ruling mandates equal access for AP, not unrestricted access for all journalists. The White House’s claim of simply narrowing the press pool was rejected by the judge, who deemed their reasoning “brazen.” The decision is a victory for free speech advocates.
Read More
The White House must now allow the Associated Press full access, a judge has ruled, solidifying the principle of equal access for journalists within the government’s purview. This ruling correctly emphasizes that if the government chooses to open its doors to some members of the press, it cannot selectively shut those doors to others based on their perceived viewpoints. This is a fundamental aspect of the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and the press, ensuring an even playing field for disseminating information to the public.
However, the practical implications of this ruling are far from straightforward. The question arises: what are the exact requirements for inclusion in the White House press corps?… Continue reading
A federal judge ordered the White House to reinstate the Associated Press’s full access to presidential events, citing First Amendment violations. The judge ruled that the government cannot retaliate against the AP for its editorial decisions, specifically its refusal to adopt the President’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. This preliminary injunction is a significant win for the AP amidst broader White House challenges to press freedom. While the ruling doesn’t guarantee the AP permanent access, it prevents discriminatory treatment based on viewpoint. The White House was given a week to respond or appeal.
Read More
A federal judge ruled that the White House violated the First Amendment by barring Associated Press journalists from White House and Air Force One events due to the AP’s refusal to adopt the President’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. Judge Trevor McFadden’s order, temporarily stayed until Sunday to allow for appeal, mandates that the White House cannot selectively restrict access based on viewpoint. The ruling emphasizes that while the AP is not entitled to preferential treatment, the government cannot deny access to journalists based on their reporting choices. The AP welcomed the decision as an affirmation of press freedom.
Read More
A federal judge blocked Alabama’s attorney general from prosecuting individuals assisting Alabamans in obtaining out-of-state abortions, citing violations of First Amendment rights and the right to interstate travel. The ruling, a victory for the Yellowhammer Fund and other plaintiffs, prevents the enforcement of Alabama’s anti-conspiracy laws against those facilitating access to abortion services in other states. This decision comes in response to the attorney general’s suggestion that such actions could be prosecuted, despite the state’s complete abortion ban. The judge’s opinion emphasizes the difference between regulating in-state conduct and attempting to extra-territorially enforce state values.
Read More
Due to rising tensions between the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) and the Trump administration, the WHCA canceled comedian Amber Ruffin’s scheduled performance at its annual dinner. The decision, made after concerns arose regarding potential backlash to Ruffin’s known anti-Trump sentiments, prioritizes celebrating journalistic excellence and the First Amendment. Instead of a comedian, the WHCA will focus on honoring journalists and supporting future generations. This shift follows previous years where the dinner’s format was altered in response to similar political pressures.
Read More
The Texas Senate passed SB 10, mandating Ten Commandments displays in all public schools, by a 20-11 party-line vote. Supporters argued the Commandments are foundational to American law and ethics, while opponents cited potential First Amendment violations, specifically the Establishment Clause. The bill now proceeds to the House; if enacted, legal challenges are anticipated given a similar law’s temporary blockage in Louisiana. Debate included discussion of religious freedom and the Supreme Court’s evolving stance on such displays.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood