The civil liberties that are the bedrock of our country — freedoms of speech and the press, freedom of religion, and the rights to peaceably assemble and petition the government — empower Americans to make progress toward our founding ideals. Protecting individual rights against those in power who attempt to restrict them is essential to making it possible for everyday people to take courageous stands. Those rights have ensured that Americans are free to drive change. We’ve witnessed it from the earliest days of the republic, from abolitionism to education, from women’s suffrage to civil rights to freedom of conscience, and beyond, to fully realize the vision of equal rights reflected in the Declaration of Independence. Our vision in action Through advocacy, education, and the courts, we work alongside partners to defend these rights and make it easier for citizens to access information about their government. This work aims to empower all Americans to engage on the issues they are most passionate about and hold those in power accountable. Every effort is grounded in our commitment to rule of law, to use of reason and debate rather than fear and violence, and to the shared democratic norms and ideals that define us as a country. Americans for Prosperity (AFP) has worked alongside partners in several states to support policies that protect free speech on campus for students and scholars and clear the way for … Continue reading Civil liberties make progress possible