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New England First Amendment Coalition

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July 2025

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Free Speech, Social Media

In Lawsuit Settlement, Smithfield, R.I. School District to Unblock Critic From Social Media Accounts | The Boston Globe



ACLU Sues Smithfield School District Over Blocked Social Media Accounts. What to Know | Providence Journal


U.S. Supreme Court Won't Hear Free Speech Fight Over Mass. Teacher Fired for Social Media Posts | Reuters




Blocking a constituent from expressing their opinions on the basis of their identity or viewpoint undermines their fundamental First Amendment right to speak and to petition the government for redress of grievances.


ACLU Rhode Island Cooperating Attorney David Cass


Public Records, Court Access

The Light Sues the City of New Bedford for Withholding Public Records | The New Bedford Light


State Agencies Claim Public Records Reform a Burden | ecoRI News


Trial Court Violates Press’s Right of Access, Suit Says | Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly




The role of journalism in a democracy ensures that elected officials serve the public’s interest and the best way to accomplish this is through public records.


The New Bedford Light Executive Editor Karen Bordeleau

Other News We're Tracking

Challenges to Book Removals in Libraries, Classrooms


'Freedom to Read Act' Passes in RI Senate. What to Know | The Providence Journal


Director: Book, Library Protections in CT Give ‘What Every Community Deserves’ | CT News Junkie


SCOTUS: Parents Can Opt Kids Out of Classes with LGBTQ Book Characters | NPR





Trump Administration, Threats to News Media


First Amendment Advocates Decry Settlement in ‘60 Minutes’ Lawsuit | Politico


Member Stations, States, and Organizations File Friend-of-the-Court Briefings in Support of Public Media | NPR


Appeals Court Allows Trump to Ban AP From Smaller Spaces for Now | CBS News





Federal Policy, Free Speech Rights


The Trump Administration Says Its Speech-Based Deportation Policy 'Does Not Exist' | Reason


Trump Administration’s Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Campus Activists Faces Federal Trial | The Associated Press


Does U.S. Law Allow Trump to Send Troops to Quell Protests? | Reuters




Also On Our Radar . . .


How Beacon Hill Bosses Quietly Buried Reform Bills That Threatened Their Power | MassLive


State Records Supervisor: Burden Met to Withhold PHS Investigation Report | iBerkshires


Push to Make More Connecticut Police Records Secret Falls Short | Connecticut Public Radio


Hoping to Protect Kids From Big Tech, Vermont Lawmakers Pass ‘Kids Code’ Bill | Vermont Public

Thank You to Our Supporters

NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri and the following Leadership Circle donors ($10,000+) and Major Supporters ($2,500-$9,999): 



LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Rhode Island Foundation
The Boston Globe
Paul and Ann Sagan
The Robertson Foundation

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

Boston University

Hearst Conn. Media Group

Academy of New England Journalists

Northeastern University

WCVB-Boston