Free Speech
Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and is guaranteed to all Americans. As a core founding principle, free speech has a long history in America. Safeguarding this cherished freedom is the ACLU’s ongoing commitment. Since 1920, the ACLU has worked to preserve our freedom of speech.
ACLU Urges Howell to Respect Local Musician's Free Speech
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:August 17, 2010
HOWELL, Mich. –The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan wrote a letter today urging Howell city officials to respect the free speech rights of a local musician and allow him to perform in public.
> Full Story
ACLU Urges Ironwood Officials to Uphold the Free Speech Rights of Public Employees
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:June 4, 2010
IRONWOOD, MICH. – In a letter today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged the Ironwood Department of Public Safety to uphold the free speech rights of a firefighter who was threatened with discipline and termination for writing letters to the editor that were critical of city government.
> Full Story
Patents On Breast Cancer Genes Ruled Invalid In ACLU/PubPat Case
Decision Has Far-Reaching Implications For Science, Research And Public Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 30, 2010
DETROIT – Patents on genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are invalid, ruled a New York federal court yesterday. The precedent-setting ruling marks the first time a court has found patents on genes unlawful and calls into question the validity of patents now held on approximately 2,000 human genes. The ruling follows a lawsuit brought by a group of patients and scientists represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT).
> Full Story
Salem Township Passes Resolution to Allow Residents to Openly Criticize Elected Officials After Settling Lawsuit With ACLU
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:October 14, 2009
DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced a settlement today in its lawsuit against Salem Township on behalf of two residents who were removed from a Board of Trustees meeting for criticizing the former township supervisor. The settlement was reached after a federal court denied the Township's motion to dismiss the case.
> Full Story
ACLU Praises Village of Clinton Agreement to Restore Political Speech During the Fall Festival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:September 24, 2009
DETROIT – The day before the start of Clinton Fall Festival, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced that it has reached a settlement with the Village of Clinton on behalf of a man who was arrested for collecting petition signatures during the 2007 Clinton Fall Festival. As part of the settlement, the Village amended an ordinance to clarify that it is not a crime to seek signatures on a petition in Clinton without a permit.
> Full Story
ACLU Declares Victory for Minister Sentenced to Prison for Criticizing Judge
Court of Appeals Reverses 3-10 Year Sentence
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:July 15, 2009
DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan applauded a unanimous Michigan Court of Appeals decision today upholding the free speech rights of a Benton Harbor minister who was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison for writing a newspaper article that harshly criticized the judge who presided over his trial.
> Full Story
Michigan’s Funeral Protest Law Is Unconstitutional, ACLU Says In Federal Lawsuit
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:April 1, 2009
DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of an army veteran and his late wife who were arrested in 2007 for taking part in the funeral procession of a friend while displaying signs in their van that were critical of the President and U.S. policy. The lawsuit was filed against Clare County and two sheriff’s deputies who arrested Lewis and Jean Lowden for violating a 2006 state statute that makes it a felony to “adversely affect” a funeral.
> Full Story
Religious Groups, Law Professors, Free Speech Advocates Join ACLU-MI in Support of Preacher Sentenced to Prison for Criticizing Judge
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:March 18, 2008
DETROIT – A diverse group of religious organizations, law professors and free speech advocates submitted three friend-of-the-court briefs today condemning the imprisonment of a Benton Harbor minister sentenced 3-10 years for writing an article criticizing a judge. Rev. Edward Pinkney, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, paraphrased the Bible in his article and predicted what God might do to the judge who presided over his case.
> Full Story
ACLU Asks Appeals Court to Remove Restrictive Conditions on Minister's Bond
Minister Is Appealing Prison Sentence for Writing Newspaper Editorial, Quoting Bible
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 29, 2009
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan asked the Michigan Court of Appeals today to remove the harsh and unconstitutional bond conditions imposed on the Benton Harbor minister who was sentenced to prison for writing a newspaper editorial criticizing a Berrien County judge.
> Full Story
ACLU Praises Court Decision to Release Minister from Prison Pending Appeal
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:December 11, 2008
DETROIT– The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan applauded a Court of Appeals decision today granting its motion for bond on behalf of a Benton Harbor minister who is serving a 3-10 year prison sentence for writing a newspaper article that harshly criticized the judge who presided over his trial. > Full Story
ACLU Represents Minister Thrown in Prison for Criticizing Judge
Motion for Bond Filed Today in Court of Appeals
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 12, 2008
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has agreed to represent a Benton Harbor minister who was sentenced to 3-10 years in prison for writing a newspaper article that criticized the judge who presided over his trial. Today the ACLU filed a motion asking the Michigan Court of Appeals to release him on bond pending a decision in the appeal of the sentence.
> Full StoryACLU Commends Bath Charter Township for Agreeing Not to Enforce Unconstitutional
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 7, 2008
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan praised Bath Charter Township officials today for protecting their residents' constitutional right to free speech by not enforcing an unconstitutional provision of its political sign ordinance.
> Full StoryFlint Police Chief Revokes Gag Rule in Response to ACLU Lawsuit
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2008
DETROIT -- Flint Police Chief David Dicks will rescind his controversial gag rule on police officer speech to the press in response to a free speech lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan on behalf of three police union leaders.
> Full StoryArenac County Sheriff Should Not Prosecute Publishers of Anonymous Newsletter
IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 4, 2008
DETROIT—In a letter today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged the Arenac County Sherriff to publicly declare that he has no intention of initiating a prosecution of the publishers of the Arenac County Town Crier, an anonymous newsletter, which has openly criticized the Sherriff and other elected officials. > Full Story
ACLU Challenges Flint Police Chief's Gag Rule
Lawsuit Filed After Chief Ignores Previous Warnings
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 27, 2008
Flint Police Have Free Speech Rights, ACLU Tells Police Chief in Letter
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 24, 2008
Salem Township Residents Have a Right to Criticize Officials, Says ACLU Lawsuit
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2008
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of two Salem Township residents who were removed from a Board of Trustees meeting for criticizing the township supervisor.
> Full StoryFederal Judge Rules Honking in Support of Peace Protesters is Protected Speech
ACLU Hails Decision as Major Victory for Free Expression
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2008
DETROIT -- A federal judge ruled today that the City of Ferndale’s practice of arresting peace protesters who encourage passing motorists to honk in support and ticketing motorists who honk must be stopped. The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed the federal lawsuit in April 2007 on behalf of five individuals, three of whom were ticketed or arrested by Ferndale police.
ACLU, Ann Arbor Film Festival Settle Free Speech Lawsuit with State
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:December 5, 2007
Detroit -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today that it has settled a federal lawsuit on behalf of the Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) against the State of Michigan. In exchange for the state legislature repealing unconstitutional restrictions on art funding, the ACLU agreed to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit. > Full Story
CMU's Absolute Ban on Videotaping Without Permission is Unconstitutional
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2007
Detroit -- In a letter sent to Central Michigan University, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged the president to recognize the right of individuals to videotape public figures in public places on the campus.
> Full StoryACLU, Protesters Sue Ferndale for Right to Urge Motorists to Honk
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2007
Detroit -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit today against the City of Ferndale asking the court to strike down the city’s policies of arresting peace protesters who encourage passing motorists to honk in support of their demonstration and ticketing motorists who honk.
> Full StoryACLU, Ann Arbor Film Festival File Lawsuit Against Michigan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 20, 2007
Detroit -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced a federal lawsuit today on behalf of the Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) against the State of Michigan for violating the first amendment rights of the festival.
The lawsuit, filed today in federal district court in Detroit, claims that the State of Michigan set out to punish the AAFF for screening films that the state deemed “objectionable.” The state’s punishment included withdrawing undistributed Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) program grants.
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Fenton's Unconstitutional Sign Ordinance
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Fenton’s Unconstitutional Sign Ordinance District Court Judge to Hear Case Tomorrow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2006
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit yesterday against the City of Fenton challenging the enforcement of its political sign ordinance after city officials ignored a letter urging the city to amend its ordinance and protect the rights of its residents.
Clawson Sign Ordinance Unconstitutional Says ACLU in Letter to City Officials
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:August 2, 2006
DETROIT-- In a letter today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan urged Clawson city officials to amend their political sign ordinance to protect their residents’ constitutional right to free speech. > Full Story
ACLU Urges Sterling Heights to Reject Proposed English Language Requirement
Forcing Businesses to Translate All Commercial Signs to English is Unconstitutional, says ACLU of Michigan and allies
For Immediate Release --July 13, 2006
Detroit -- In a letter to the Sterling Heights City Council today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, along with the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, urged council members to reject a proposed policy that would force local businesses to translate all of their commercial signs into English.
Flint Mayor to Pay $150,000 in ACLU Newspaper Carrier Lawsuit Settlement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- June 28, 2006The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today that the mayor of the City of Flint has agreed to settle a lawsuit on behalf of a newspaper carrier who was arrested for delivering the Flint Journal to subscribers at the Flint City Hall. > Full Story
Prosecutor Grants ACLU Request to Dismiss Charge
Charges Dismissed Against Anti-War Protestor for Holding Flag Upside DownAPRIL 28, 2006
ACLU Seeks Dismissal of Charges
Man Holding Flag Upside Down at Anti-War ProtestFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 27, 2006
Detroit -- The ACLU of Michigan today asked a
ACLU Sues Metropark Over "Free Speech Zone"
Environmental Advocate Barred from Displaying Sign
For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2006
Court of Appeals Finds Dearborn Protest Rules Unconstitutional
August 15, 2005 - Press Release
City of Lansing Censors Shakespeare
August 9, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT -- In a letter sent today to the City of Lansing, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan and the ACLU Lansing Branch are advising city officials to reconsider its decision to censor a Shakespeare in the park production.
> Full StoryACLU Wants "Gag Order" on College Trustees Ended
UPDATE! May 13, 2005 - Board rescinds code.
April 19, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT -- A lawsuit was filed in federal court by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan on behalf of a St. Clair County Community College Trustee after the Board adopted a “gag order” prohibiting board members from talking to students, faculty and employees without first obtaining clearance from the College President.
> Full StoryRoseville Artist Will Stay Out of Jail for Now
April 4, 2005 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The Roseville artist who has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for painting a mural on the side of an office building will be staying at home as the case moves forward in the appeal process, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.
> Full StoryACLU Hopes to Keep Roseville Artist Out of Jail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:February 18, 2005
DETROIT -- After hearing the plight of an artist sentenced to jail for painting a mural on the side of an office building, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan is filing an emergency motion to keep him out of jail pending an appeal of the sentence.
> Full Story
ACLU Sues Flint Mayor for News Carrier's Arrest
FLINT, MI -- A city mayor’s dislike and difference of opinion with a major Flint paper has resulted in a lawsuit filed today in federal court by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. The ACLU is representing a man authorized to distribute and deliver the Flint Journal to city employees at the Flint City Hall.> Full Story
Speech Rights Reaching Greater Security
Judge Rules in Troy Case, Grosse Pointe Woods Rescinds 30-day Rule
October 19, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- In two separate cases regarding municipal sign ordinances, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has secured greater protection for residents of Troy and Grosse Pointe Woods.
> Full StoryJudge Rules Utica Schools Violated Student's First Amendment Rights
October 12, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- A federal court judge ruled today that a Utica high school violated the First Amendment by censoring an article in the school newspaper. Judge Arthur Tarnow ruled from the bench, ending the two-year old lawsuit.
> Full StoryACLU Files Against Troy for Unconstitutional Sign Ordinance
UPDATE - 8:30 p.m. September 28, 2004
The City of Troy has agreed to apply the TRO to all residents who are now free to place their political signs in their yards. The class action planned for tomorrow will not be filed.
Click here to read the letter from the Troy City Attorney
UPDATE - 5:30 p.m. September 28, 2004
Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order
The TRO granted today restrains the City of Troy from enforcing the 30-day/2 signs limit in their sign ordinance -- but only for Kent Fehribach. Unless the city agrees to apply the ruling to all Troy residents, the ACLU will file a class action tomorrow. A hearing has already been set for a motion for a TRO at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.
September 27, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- After the City of
ACLU Investigating Ban On Reading Materials Ordered By Flint Mayor
September 23, 2004 - Press Release
Flint, MI -- The American Civil Liberties Union is investigating a complaint filed on behalf of city employees after the mayor issued an executive order banning the storage, possession, or reading of newspapers, magazines, and other reading materials unrelated to city business. A ban of this kind violates the First Amendment rights of city employees and those who disseminate constitutionally protected reading materials.
> Full StoryThree Municipalities Agree to Protect the Free Speech of Their Residents
September 23, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan is pleased that several municipalities on the west side of the state will be changing city ordinances to comply with the Constitutional right to display political signs on private property.
> Full StoryGrosse Pointe Woods Violates Free Speech of Residents
September 17, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit today in federal court on behalf of a Grosse Pointe Woods resident charging the City for violating the free speech rights of residents through an unconstitutional sign ordinance. > Full StoryACLU Protects Those Who Speak Out in Washtenaw
One SLAPP Suit Dismissed, Another Begins
September 9, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT— The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced today that a SLAPP suit (“Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation”) against a Washtenaw County woman has been dismissed while another against a Washtenaw man has just begun.
> Full StoryACLU Defends Washtenaw Woman Sued for Speaking Out
July 8, 2004 - Press Release
School Reverses Student's Suspension For Wearing Anarchy T-Shirt
Political Symbols or Messages Now Permitted on Clothing
May 10, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The Bay City Schools has changed its mind about suspending a high school student for wearing a t-shirt with an anarchy symbol after the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan appealed the suspension.
> Full StoryCourt Rules Citizens Have Right To Criticize Police
Slander Case by Police Officer Thrown Out
April 30, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- After eight years of a court struggle, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that a citizen has the right to express an opinion about a police officer’s ability to perform his duties without fearing retaliation. The citizen, Richard Mach, was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.
> Full StoryJudge Dismisses "Obscene" Phone Call Charge Against Frustrated Farmer
February 20, 2004 - Press Release
DETROIT -- An Ingham County judge has dismissed the “obscene” phone call charges against an 82-year farmer who left voicemail messages on the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s complaint line complaining about a sickening smell emanating from a nearby agribusiness. The farmer, Gerald Henning, was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.
> Full StoryCourt Strikes Down Michigan Verbal Assault Law
Law Found to Violate Students’ Free Speech
October 3, 2003 - Press Release
DETROIT -- In a case with implications throughout the state, a federal judge has struck down the
Judge Rules In Favor of Dearborn Student's Right to Political Speech
October 1, 2003 - Press Release
DETROIT
Frustrated Farmer Charged for Complaining to the State
Hearing Scheduled for Tomorrow
June 18, 2003 - Press Release
DETROIT - An 82-year-old farmer who complained to the Michigan Department of Agriculture by voice-mail over its failure to stop a nearby agribusiness from creating a sickening smell, has been charged him with making “obscene” phone calls. The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has filed a brief on the farmer’s behalf arguing that his speech was protected by the First Amendment.
> Full StoryJudge Rejects Meijer's Attempt to Censor Accusations of Anti-Arab Bias
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Utica Community Schools
Student's Article Censored by School District
April 7, 2003 - Press Release
DETROIT -- Challenging Utica High School for censoring a school-sponsored newspaper article, the ACLU of Michigan has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the student journalist whose First Amendment rights have been violated. The suit was filed in Federal District Court on April 4, 2003, and will be heard by Judge George E. Woods.
> Full StoryACLU Files Suit to Protect Student's Right to Free Speech
March 27, 2003 - Press Release
DETROIT -- Challenging a school’s decision to prohibit a student from wearing an anti-President Bush t-shirt, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit today in federal court against the Dearborn Public School for violating the First Amendment rights of their students.
Settlement Reached between South Lyon Schools and Students Regarding Free Speech
March 19, 2003 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan announced that a settlement agreement has been reached between the South Lyon Community Schools and the students who were suspended for distributing a newspaper entitled The First Amendment.
> Full StoryACLU Supports Dearborn Student's Right to Protest
February 21, 2003 - Press Release
After Brett Barber, a junior at Dearborn
Firefighters Can Now Speak Out
Judge Rules Gag Order Unconstitutional
January 29, 2003 - Press Release
A federal district court judge ruled today that a
ACLU, ADC Sue Dearborn Over Protest Rules
ACLU Files Lawsuit to Protect Firefighters' Speech Rights
July 10, 2002 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit today in federal district court on behalf of a
ACLU Seeks to Halt Internet Censorship by the Taubman Company
May 7, 2002 - Press Release
DETROIT— Continuing its strong advocacy of online free speech, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan along with the ACLU National office filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals opposing the Taubman Company’s attempt to silence a critic of the corporation.
> Full Story"Cussing Canoeist" Conviction Reversed
April 1, 2002 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled today that the law used to convict Timothy Boomer, the “cussing canoeist”, was vague, failed to provide fair notice of what conduct is prohibited and impinges on First Amendment freedoms. The decision means that the conviction has been reversed, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan who defended Mr. Boomer.
> Full StoryMichigan Court of Appeals Will Hear Appeal in People v. Timothy Boomer
March 5, 2002 - Press Release
On Wednesday, March 6, the Michigan Court of Appeals will hear the ACLU's appeal in People v. Timothy Boomer. At issue in the case is whether Michigan's "improper language" statute is unconstitutional.
> Full StoryMichigan Court of Appeals will Hear Appeal in People v. Timothy Boomer
| March 5, 2002 - Press Release |
On Wednesday, March 6, the Michigan Court of Appeals will hear the ACLU's appeal in People v. Timothy Boomer. At issue in the case is whether Michigan's "improper language" statute is unconstitutional. The law, passed in 1897, makes it a 90-day misdemeanor to use "any indecent, immoral . . . vulgar, or insulting language in the presence or hearing of any woman or child."
> Full StoryACLU Sues Mt. Pleasant Schools for Suspending Critic of Tardy Policy
September 5, 2001 - Press Release
MT. PLEASANT. The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a lawsuit today in federal court against the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools on behalf of an honor student who was suspended for writing a humorous commentary criticizing his school’s new tardy policy.
> Full StoryACLU Critizes Mayor for Cutting Public Opinion From Meeting Broadcasts
September 4, 2001 - Press Release
DETROIT. A letter was sent today by the American Civil Liberties Union to Battle Creek Mayor Mark A. Behnke criticizing his unilateral decision to terminate the public comment portion of the City Commission meetings. Mayor Behnke’s decision was in response to his fears that citizens were making “terrorizing” remarks and verbally attacking city officials.
> Full StoryCalumet Resident Gets Help from the ACLU In Order To Protest
August 1, 2001 - Press Release
DETROIT -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan sent a letter today urging that Calumet Township take immediate action to amend its unconstitutional zone ordinance that prohibits residents from posting either political or protest signs.
> Full StoryACLU files Lawsuit Challenging State Anti-Mask Law on Anniversary of OAS Demonst
June 4, 2001
DETROIT - The American Civil Liberties Union and the National Lawyers Guild filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit today to prevent the police from arresting peaceful protestors for wearing masks during demonstrations.
Court Rejects Noisy Steel Company's Attempt to Intimidate Quiet Neighborhood
April 29, 2001 - Press ReleaseDETROIT- Supporting the public's right to speak out on public issues without fear of retaliation, a Macomb County Circuit Court judge dismissed a lawsuit against Janet Donahue, a woman who complained about noise from a neighboring steel business.
> Full Story
State Anti-Mask Law Violates Right to Speech
October 18, 2000 - Press ReleaseDetroit. The ACLU of Michigan and National Lawyer's Guild today filed a motion to dismiss charges levied against 13 protesters for wearing Lone Ranger masks during a June demonstration protesting air quality in downtown Detroit held at the same time as meetings of the Organization of American States in Windsor. > Full Story
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