First Amendment

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlines five fundamental rights that individuals have with regard to the government: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government, and freedom of religion.

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Learn about the First Amendment's five fundamental rights, and scroll down to explore our work protecting First Amendment rights in Rhode Island through litigation, advocacy, and education.

The Latest


Know Your Rights
Photo from a protest of a man wearing a black jacket and gloves holding a sign with a megaphone and a star graphic, with the text "dissent is patriotic" and the ACLU logo.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Protests & Demonstrations

Know your rights when it comes to protests, marches and demonstrations.
Know Your Rights
Red and blue photo of a student talking into a megaphone

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Students & The First Amendment

Resource
Blue voting bubble graphic with "2026 RI Midterm Candidate Survey Civil Liberties Edition" on a cream colored background. ACLU of RI logo in lower right corner.

RI Midterm Primary Candidate Questions: Civil Liberties Edition

We sent a survey of civil liberties questions to all the candidates running for statewide office (except for Treasurer) that will be on the ballot in the 2026 Rhode Island midterm elections, as well as the Providence mayoral candidates.
News & Commentary
Logos of RI plaintiffs, RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Blue and brown graphics of a house and a healthcare provider.

Health and Housing Grants Protected After Federal Court Rejects Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful Restrictions

"This is a victory for the survivors of domestic and sexual violence, LGBTQI+ youth, and unhoused individuals and families our organizations serve."
Campaign
Aug 2026

Firewall for Freedom: Protecting Rhode Island

The work to protect our rights and liberties is a marathon, not a sprint.
Campaign
Jan 2026

Private: CAMPAIGN: Flock Safety Surveillance Technology

This campaign explains Flock Safety cameras.