Transparency & Democracy
Ensuring access to information necessary for self-government
The First Amendment embraces the public’s right to access the information needed to hold the powerful accountable and participate fully in the process of self-government.
Our aim in defending and promoting transparency is not simply to compel the disclosure of information that the public is entitled to know, but to broaden public access to information through changes in government policy and the law.
Featured
Deep Dive
The Press and American Democracy
Identifying four distinct constitutional functions of "the press"
By Robert C. PostLATEST NEWS & ANALYSIS
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Press Statement
Federal Court Blocks University of Maryland’s Unconstitutional ‘Expressive Event’ Ban
Knight Institute, ACLU, and FIRE say decision is an important victory for students’ First Amendment rights
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LITIGATION & ADVOCACY
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Amicus Brief
Iowa v. Securities Exchange Commission
Litigation challenging the SEC’s climate disclosure rule
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Lawsuit
The Texas Tribune v. Caldwell County
A case challenging the exclusion of the press and public from bail hearings in Caldwell County, Texas.
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Lawsuit
National Association of Immigration Judges v. Neal
A lawsuit challenging a government policy silencing immigration judges
RESEARCH
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Deep Dive : The Future of Press Freedom: Scholars Series
Countering the Mosaic of Threats to Press Functions
There is a clear, democratic public interest in journalism—but the press continues to face a myriad of challenges.
By Lili Levi -
Deep Dive : Jawboning
Jawboning in 2025
When the new administration starts—led either by President Biden or President Trump—what will the state of jawboning be?
By Matt Perault -
Deep Dive : The Future of Press Freedom: Scholars Series
The Enduring Significance of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
Sullivan protects fundamental press functions—its overruling would be devastating.
By Samantha Barbas
Events
Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
On the Skirmish Line
A panel discussion on the evolving climate for protest coverage
Civic Hall and Online
The Future of Press Freedom: Democracy, Law, and the News in Changing Times
A symposium examining what it means to safeguard and support the role of the press in the United States today.
Columbia University and Online
Permission to Speak Freely? Managing Government Employee Speech in a Democracy
A symposium examining the speech rights of public employees—and the threats they face