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
Press Statement
Appeals Court Says Public and Press Have First Amendment Right to Access Bail Hearings
Public access to court proceedings is fundamental to our democracy, Knight Institute says
LATEST NEWS & ANALYSIS
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Press Statement
Appeals Court Says Public and Press Have First Amendment Right to Access Bail Hearings
Public access to court proceedings is fundamental to our democracy, Knight Institute says
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Deep Dive
Don’t Assume the First Amendment Will Thwart Trump’s Pro-Censorious Agenda
With Trump in the Oval Office, the U.S. Supreme Court will find itself having to answer questions it has sidestepped for years.
By Jameel Jaffer -
Press Statement
Knight Institute and Foundation for Global Political Exchange Settle Case Challenging U.S. Treasury Department’s Unlawful Suppression of Political Speech
Say agreement is a victory for the right of Americans to engage with ideas from around the world
LITIGATION & ADVOCACY
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Lawsuit
The Foundation for Global Political Exchange v. Department of the Treasury
A case challenging OFAC’s suppression of the exchange of political ideas
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FOIA Lawsuit
Knight Institute v. Department of Education
A FOIA lawsuit seeking disclosure of Department of Education guidance to universities regarding their Title VI obligations.
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FOIA Lawsuit
Campaign for Accountability v. DOJ
A FOIA lawsuit seeking proactive disclosure of the Office of Legal Counsel’s secret legal opinions
RESEARCH
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Deep Dive : Student Protests, Title VI, and the First Amendment
Title VI as a Jawbone
The fact that Title VI has come to possess such importance when it comes to regulating protest and political expression on campus raises significant First Amendment questions
By Evelyn Douek & Genevieve Lakier -
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