The First Amendment right to free speech sits at the core of American democracy. It guarantees that all Americans can speak openly about their government free from the concern that their voices will be silenced and confident that even the most unpopular views will not be suppressed.
However, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts, the First Amendment has become something else entirely: a shield for billionaires seeking to place their favorite candidates in office; a weapon against laws protecting the privacy of consumers; and a potential tool to undermine workers’ right to organize and collectively bargain. The amendment ratified to give every American a voice in our society has instead been wielded to magnify the power of the most fortunate.
Please join the Center for American Progress for a panel on the Roberts Court’s approach to the First Amendment.
Introduction:
Neera Tanden, President, Center for American Progress
Keynote Address:
Lee Saunders, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Panelists:
Jedediah Purdy, Robinson O. Everett Professor of Law, Duke University
Elizabeth Wydra, Chief Counsel, Constitutional Accountability Center
Nicole Berner, Associate General Counsel, Service Employees International Union
Moderator:
Ian Millhiser, Senior Constitutional Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress