Defending Dissent
Human Rights First is working to protect and strengthen free speech in the U.S., ensuring that the right to protest against authoritarian practices is secure.
Why Defending Dissent?
Universities across the country have changed their policies to stiffle student's ability to protest, capitulating to authoritarian pressure from this administration.
The Trump administration has begun federalizing national guard forces in cities including LA and DC, in an attempt to quash protest and enforce their mass deportation goals. This dangerous escalation of authoritarianism is a direct threat to protestors.
Many states have enacted laws that restrict the right to protest in some form, including banning certain practices of protestors on university campuses, increasing penalties, and expanding civil liability laws.
Nearly every state has introduced legislation that if enacted would restrict the right to protest in some form. Sweeping anti-protest federal legislation is also being pushed through congress right now, and if passed would seriously damage protestors' right to assemble.
Tell Congress to pass the Protecting Our Protesters Act of 2025 (H.R. 3651) by joining Human Rights First and Amnesty International USA's campaign.
Take ActionThe right to protest is under attack in the United States. From restrictive state legislation, to threats from the President, to the deployment of the national guard, to Universities cracking down on student protest-- our right to speak up is increasingly at risk. Download this toolkit to learn how to engage on this issue.
Defending Dissent Toolkit