First Amendment

Nevada’s strength lies in our freedom to speak, assemble, and dissent without fear. Across our state, people use their First Amendment rights to demand justice, hold the government accountable, and build stronger communities.

Collage graphic symbolizing free speech and protest. The main image shows raised fists and a megaphone tinted in blue. A smaller photo in the bottom right corner depicts a person speaking passionately into a megaphone at a rally. A blue speech bubble graphic appears in the upper left.

The ACLU of Nevada defends the rights of all Nevadans to express themselves, practice their faith, and gather in public spaces without fear or interference. From the courthouse to college campuses, we work to ensure the First Amendment remains a living promise. Free speech isn’t partisan, it’s patriotic, and it’s how we safeguard all our other freedoms.

The Latest

Press Release
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Nevada Civil Rights and Advocacy Groups Decry Assembly Decision to Preclude Telephonic Testimony During Special Session

Issue Areas: Smart Justice, First Amendment, Equal Protection
Press Release
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ACLU of Nevada Urges Rejection of Governor’s Proposed Crime Bill During 'Non-transparent' Thursday Hearing

Issue Areas: Smart Justice, First Amendment
Know Your Rights
Graphic featuring a black-and-white photo of a graduate wearing a cap and gown, viewed from behind while walking up steps. The image is overlaid with yellow geometric shapes and crossed yellow pencils, representing education, achievement, and the right to learn.

Free Speech in Higher Education

Free speech is a fundamental right protected by both the U.S. Constitution and Nevada law. If you are a student at a college or university in Nevada, it is important to understand the scope of your rights and the limitations that may apply to free expression on campus. The First Amendment and Nevada law protect the right to express opinions, even if those views are controversial or offensive to others.
Know Your Rights
Collage-style graphic showing a black-and-white classroom scene with several students raising their hands as a teacher stands at the front of the room. A large, empty paper-textured speech bubble overlays the left side, framed by yellow geometric shapes, symbolizing student voices and participation.

Free Speech: K-12 Schools

Public school students do not lose their First Amendment rights at the schoolhouse gate. The First Amendment protects the right to express opinions, wear expressive clothing, and participate in peaceful protest or assembly, even on controversial topics. The Nevada Constitution mirrors these protections and also protects race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, and national origin. However, schools may place reasonable restrictions on speech to maintain order, protect the rights of others, and ensure that education is not disrupted.
Campaign
Nov 2025

Firewall for Freedom

ACLU of Nevada’s Firewall for Freedom campaign is both a proactive and responsive strategy to protect our rights and our people from unlawful federal interference.