The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.
When U of Tennessee tried to expel a pharmacy student for a tweet about Cardi B, she fought back with help from FIRE, and together we won in federal court.
Surprise, Arizona had a rule banning criticism of public officials. When Rebekah Massie was removed from a city council meeting for violating that rule, she sued and had the rule scrapped.
With help from FIRE, animal rights advocates sue after facing ongoing censorship and arrest for peaceful advocacy in a public park in Houston.
Police arrested veteran Jeff Gray for peacefully holding a sign to raise awareness of homeless vets. FIRE filed lawsuits on his behalf to vindicate his constitutional rights and won them all!
Mary Hall-Rayford was silenced during a city council meeting because of her views. With FIRE's help, Mary and three other residents sued their city — and won.
North Carolina threatened Susan Hogarth with possible fines and jail time for taking a ballot selfie and posting the image to social media.
Alejandro Flores and friends sought to post conservative flyers at Clovis Community College, but were denied. With FIRE's help, he and two classmates sued and won!
Utah’s attempt to childproof social media is an unconstitutional mess. That’s why FIRE and plaintiff Hannah Zoulek are suing to block the law from taking effect.
After facing censorship, coercion, and stonewalling at Haskell Indian Nations University, Jared Nally fought for the rights of student journalists — and won!
Jeffrey Hunt was forced out of the state Capitol’s senate gallery by government officials. His offense? Wearing a shirt they didn’t like.
After FIRE threatened a lawsuit, Uvalde school district lifted a ban on a parent who questioned the qualifications of a recently hired school district police officer.
