Growing threats to civic freedoms in the USA

Introduction

The United States faces a decisive election in 2024 amid political turmoil and deep divides

As the US heads toward the presidential election on 5th November 2024, the stakes are being described as the most important election of their lifetimes. With former President Donald Trump representing the Republican Party and Vice President Kamala Harris leading the Democratic ticket following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal, the election is seen as a vote on the country’s direction on democracy, the economy, reproductive rights and immigration.

This contest takes place against a backdrop of turbulence, including multiple legal and political crises. Trump, despite facing 34 felony convictions and surviving two assassination attempts, remains a polarising figure. Harris, meanwhile, has inherited the Democratic campaign at a moment of unprecedented upheaval, as the nation grapples with challenges to its democratic fabric and economic disparities.

Association

Alleged assassination attempt on Sikh activist in California

On 11th August 2024, a targeted shooting incident on Interstate 505 in Yolo County, California, left Sikh activist Satinder Pal Singh Raju and two other activists shaken but unharmed. Unknown assailants fired multiple bullets at Raju’s vehicle, forcing it off the road into a drainage ditch. The attack occurred late at night as Raju was returning from an organising meeting with fellow advocates. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the incident and is investigating in collaboration with the FBI, but no arrests have been made or motives disclosed.

The shooting is part of a troubling pattern of violence targeting Sikh activists abroad, raising fears of transnational repression. Raju, an organiser for Sikhs for Justice, had been engaged in advocacy and referendum efforts in Canada and Northern California, aiming to demonstrate support for the Sikh’s rights within the diaspora.

The attack has amplified concerns in the Sikh community about threats and violence allegedly linked to Indian government operatives, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents involving the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia and a foiled plot to kill another Sikh activist in New York.

Palestinian solidarity organisation ban

On 15th October 2024, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in a joint action with Canada, designated the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network (Samidoun) as a “specially designated global terrorist (SDGT) entity,” alleging its role as a fundraising conduit for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a US-designated terrorist organisation. This decision blocks all property and financial interests tied to Samidoun in the US and prohibits transactions involving US persons unless authorised by OFAC.

According to OFAC, Samidoun operates as “a sham charity that exploits its humanitarian narrative to financially support the PFLP.” OFAC emphasised that the designation aligns with its broader efforts to disrupt terrorism financing within the non-profit sector. It invokes strict liability under US sanctions law, meaning violations can result in civil penalties regardless of intent or knowledge.

Samidoun (in Arabic, those who are steadfast) was established in 2011 to support Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. In response to the recent designation, Samidoun issued a statement denying any material or organisational ties to entities listed as terrorist organisations by the US, Canada, or the European Union.

The designation has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations, who argued that it represents a politically motivated effort to stifle advocacy for Palestinian rights. Critics contended that the action conflates legitimate human rights work with terrorism, eroding First Amendment protections:

“Amid the last year of Israel’s US-fueled genocide, the US government has decided to designate an advocacy group focused on uplifting the plight of Palestinian political prisoners and that has denied any material or organisational connections with US-designated “foreign terrorist organisations.” The action recalls how the entire US antiterrorism regime – encompassing the laws, executive orders, regulations, designations and jurisprudence that determine the what and who of “terrorism” – has grown out of and been shaped by successive efforts to undermine Palestinian freedom.”

Retaliation against faculty supporting pro-Palestine activism

Professors have been facing severe disciplinary actions, including dismissals and denial of promotions, in retaliation for supporting students’ pro-Palestine activism. The following cases illustrate this alarming trend:

In late May 2024, Muhlenberg College allegedly terminated tenured Professor Maura Finkelstein after nearly a decade of employment. The dismissal reportedly stemmed from her Instagram repost of a statement by Palestinian poet Remi Kanazi in January 2024. Kanazi’s post called for the rejection of Zionist ideology and its supporters, stating: “Do not cower to Zionist. Shame them. Do not welcome them in your spaces. Why should these genocide loving fascists be treated any different than any other flat out racist.”

Finkelstein’s repost was deemed by the college to violate its equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies. In a statement, Muhlenberg’s vice president for communications underscored the institution’s commitment to following its internal policies but refrained from discussing the specifics of personnel matters, citing confidentiality.

Finkelstein stated: “There was a 308-page investigative report, but the panel determined the single Instagram repost on my personal social media account was ‘chronic and pervasive’ behaviour.” She also attributed her dismissal to the intense influence of donors and alumni, asserting that the scrutiny and opposition made her position untenable for the institution. A Change.org petition initiated in October 2023 by anonymous “Muhlenberg College Alumni and Supporters” garnered over 8,000 signatures, alleging her rhetoric to be “pro-Hamas,” though her statements focused on civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

According to The Intercept, Finkelstein’s case appears to be the first dismissal of a tenured professor for anti-Zionist speech in the post-September 11 era, underscoring a chilling new precedent amid mounting pressures on higher education institutions nationwide.

In a separate case, on 4th June 2024, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Council on Academic Personnel (CAP) denied Professor Graeme Blair’s promotion to full professor, citing insufficient evidence to support the proposed acceleration:

“CAP felt that there was insufficient evidence in the dossier to support the acceleration, especially in consideration of the scholarship that was previously counted towards prior acceleration actions. A small majority of CAP voted unfavourable of the one-year accelerated promotion to Professor, Step I. [Additionally], CAP voted unanimously to not revisit the case and to uphold their initial recommendation of unfavourable of the one-year accelerated promotion to Professor, Step I.”

The decision was confirmed on 1st July 2024 by UCLA’s Vice-Chancellor. This denial, however, coincided with Blair’s prominent role in student-led protests and faculty solidarity actions during the spring, raising concerns about potential retaliation against academic dissent.

Between April and June 2024, UCLA witnessed intense demonstrations as students and faculty protested in solidarity with Palestine. Faculty members, including Blair, were active in the encampment protests and demanding better working conditions, where law enforcement forcibly removed protesters on 2nd May, as previously documented by the CIVICUS Monitor. Over 200 people, including Blair and members of the UCLA Faculty Association (UCLA-FA), were arrested during the encampment’s eviction. Similar incidents unfolded at several University of California (UC) campuses in May and June.

The UCLA faculty’s experiences mirror a troubling pattern across the UC system. On 19th September 2024, faculty from UC campuses collectively filed an unprecedented, unfair labour practice charge with California’s Public Employment Relations Board. The 581-page document claimed the UC system of targeting professors and students engaged in solidarity actions related to Israel’s war on Gaza. It highlighted a series of university-led crackdowns, including calls for police intervention during Palestine solidarity protests and encampments, resulting in hundreds of arrests.

Columbia University law professor Katherine Franke, a long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, has also faced retaliation. In February 2024, complaints filed with the university accused her of creating a hostile environment for Israeli students due to her outspoken support for Gaza. These accusations followed an attack on pro-Palestinian activists at Columbia, leading to multiple hospitalisations, which Franke publicly condemned during a television interview in January 2024. The complaints, coupled with pressures from Republican lawmakers on the House Committee on Education and Labour, now jeopardise her position.

The challenges faced by Franke escalated in July 2024 when Outten & Golden LLP, a top law firm specialising in employment law, abruptly terminated its representation of her. The decision was communicated by Adam Klein, the firm’s managing partner, without prior warning or explanation. Despite the objections of Kathleen Peratis, a long-time partner at the firm and Franke’s attorney, the representation was discontinued.

Suspension of pro-Palestine student organisations

On 5th July 2024, the Rutgers University Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services notified the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at the New Brunswick campus of their suspension until 4th July 2025. This action follows allegations of disruptive or disorderly conduct, failure to comply with university or civil authority and non-compliance with other university policies. The decision reportedly stems from incidents occurring after 7th October 2023, when SJP members expressed concerns about perceived bias and targeted disciplinary actions against Palestinian and pro-Palestinian students. SJP leaders refrained from participating in the university’s disciplinary hearings, citing their belief that the processes lacked fairness and impartiality. Consequently, the group forfeited its ability to appeal the suspension.

This suspension marks the university’s second disciplinary action against the SJP chapter. As previously reported, Rutgers University was one of the first universities to suspend its SJP chapter in December 2023.

On 19th October 2024, Brown University suspended its chapter of SJP following a protest led by the group against the university’s decision not to divest its endowment from companies perceived to support Israel. University officials cited reports of threatening, intimidating and harassing actions during the protest, which allegedly included physical obstruction of vehicles, verbal harassment and the use of racial epithets. In response to these allegations, the university initiated a formal review and prohibited the chapter from holding events, meetings, or online activities.

SJP, part of the Brown Divest Coalition, described the suspension as politically motivated retaliation, accusing the university of attempting to suppress dissent and fracture the student movement. They argued that the prohibition impedes their ability to provide a platform for collective grief and solidarity during the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

This incident is part of a broader trend across several US universities, including Rutgers, Tufts and Harvard, where pro-Palestinian groups have faced suspensions or restrictions following protests.

Unlawful surveillance of activists in Oregon

On 20th August 2024, the American Civil Liberties (ACLU) filed a lawsuit, claiming that in since June 2020, the Medford Police Department (MPD) illegally monitored the social media accounts of activists and grassroots organisations, infiltrating a Facebook page of the Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers— an organisation advocating for queer people, unhoused people and other groups who are similarly marginalised in Southern Oregon—during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations following George Floyd’s murder.

Public records revealed that the MDP illegally surveilled progressive groups advocating for causes like racial justice, LGBTQI+ rights, reproductive justice, housing justice, harm reduction, decriminalisation, government transparency and environmental advocacy.

The lawsuit also accused the Medford Police Department of collecting information in 2022 on people planning to attend “The Bans OFF Our Bodies” protest, organised in response to the anticipated US Supreme Court decision to overturn federal abortion rights recognised in Roe v. Wade landmark ruling. The police allegedly sought details on the organisers of the event and the broader network of activists involved.

“The Medford Police is blatantly disregarding a three-decades-old state law that prohibits this type of surveillance. Their doubling down is a bald display of impunity from those we trust to enforce the law,” said Kelly Simon, ACLU of Oregon legal director.

Boeing suspends workers amid historic strike

In September 2024, Boeing, the US-based aerospace giant, faced escalating labour unrest following a strike by 33,000 employees in the Pacific Northwest, the first such strike in 16 years. The strike, which has continued into October 2024, focuses on demands for higher wages and improved retirement benefits. In response, Boeing has implemented widespread furloughs across its workforce, including employees not directly involved in the strike, as part of a cost-cutting strategy to mitigate the financial impact of the work stoppage.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), which represents many of the striking employees, criticised Boeing’s decision to impose furloughs. The union contends that these furloughs unfairly affect workers not directly involved in the strike and urged the company to focus on resolving the core issues related to wages, pensions and retirement benefits.

Boeing has encountered a difficult year, marked by a series of technical problems with its aircraft. The troubles began in January 2024, when a door plug detached from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 mid-flight. Since then, the company has been plagued by further technical issues and whistleblower complaints.

Apple and Delta Air Airlines accused of restricting unionise efforts

On 11th October 2024, the US National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint accusing Apple Inc. of unlawfully restricting its employees’ rights to collectively associate for improved working conditions, particularly by limiting their use of social media and the workplace messaging app Slack. The complaint alleged that Apple implemented restrictive work rules that interfered with employees’ ability to engage in protected activities, such as discussing workplace issues and advocating for change.

The complaint stemmed from a legal filing made nearly three years ago by Janneke Parrish, who has since been represented by attorney Laurie Burgess. Parrish's lawyer stated that Apple had engaged in “extensive violations” of workers’ rights by imposing unlawful rules and terminating employees for exercising their right to engage in protected activities, such as calling attention to gender discrimination and other civil rights violations in the workplace.

In a separate case, on 27th September 2024, Aryasp Nejat, a former flight attendant at Delta Air Lines, filed a lawsuit alleging he was fired in retaliation for his support of a unionisation effort and for speaking out about an incident of sexual harassment during his training. At his graduation ceremony, flight attendant Matthew Miller reportedly told Nejat and other new hires that if they wanted a “good working environment,” they should avoid signing a union card. According to the complaint, Miller was a vocal supporter of Delta’s anti-union initiative, “One Delta,” and that anti-union messaging was prevalent throughout the training process. Nejat described this messaging as “overwhelming” and claimed that Delta invested significant resources to prevent unionisation efforts.

The lawsuit also alleged that during a uniform inspection at the graduation ceremony, Miller engaged in inappropriate and sexually assaultive touching of Nejat. Miller’s hands reached inside Nejat’s pants near his genitals and then moved to Nejat’s chest under his vest. Nejat affirmed that the experience left him feeling violated, uncomfortable and anxious. The lawsuit further alleged that Miller engaged in similar behaviour with at least one other male flight attendant and that several others may have experienced similar treatment. Despite these allegations, Miller continued to work at Delta.

Peaceful Assembly

Universities increasingly restrict peaceful protests in solidarity with Palestine

As previously documented by the CIVICUS Monitor, several universities imposed restrictions on peaceful protests, particularly those organised by students expressing solidarity with Palestine. The demonstrations, which reached historic proportions in the spring of 2024, have faced significant opposition from university administrations, some of whom have resorted to more aggressive tactics to limit protesters. Civil rights groups have raised concerns that these measures disproportionately target students engaged in political speech and activism related to Palestinian rights.

The wave of new policies reflects a growing trend of administrative crackdowns on student activism. These policies include:

• Banning encampments: Several universities have implemented bans on protest encampments and overnight protests since August 2024, including Emory, Rutgers, the California State University and the University of California.
• Restrictions on expressive activity: The University of Wisconsin-Madison updated its protest policy in August 2024 to introduce a range of new limitations on protests and other forms of expressive activity. The new policy imposes restrictions on protesting within 25 feet of university facility entrances, limits the size of signs inside buildings, and introduces specific sound amplification restrictions.
• Pre-approval for demonstrations: In August 2024, Case Western Reserve University introduced a policy requiring students to submit a request for pre-approval to the university’s Freedom of Expression Policy Committee at least seven days in advance for proposed demonstrations. The policy specifies that only university-affiliated individuals or groups in good standing may request time for demonstrations, and limits these events to a two-hour window between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Kelvin Smith Library Oval. Additional restrictions prohibit tents, open flames, fireworks, weapons and sound amplification systems. Similar policies have been adopted at Indiana University, Ohio State University and Rutgers University.
• Prohibitions on specific protest locations: Princeton University banned protests on Cannon Green, where students set up an encampment the previous semester. Similarly, James Madison University updated its policy to restrict protests on the Quad, a historic and academic area that may now only be used for registered, university-sponsored events.

On 14th August 2024, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) condemned these new administrative policies at colleges and universities that restrict peaceful protests and free speech on campuses, arguing that they undermine academic freedom and students' fundamental freedoms. These policies, which limit protest locations, require registration and impose severe sanctions, discourage open debate and disproportionately impact marginalised groups, all while bypassing faculty input and governance.

Harvard temporarily bars faculty and students from accessing the library after pro-Palestine demonstrations

In October 2024, Harvard University temporarily banned 25 professors and over 60 law students from accessing its Widener Library following their involvement in a “study-in” protest on 16th October. This protest was staged in solidarity with students who had previously been disciplined for participating in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in September 2024. Among those banned was Professor Andrew Crespo, who publicly criticised the action, arguing that punishing individuals for silently engaging with books and ideas contravenes the fundamental purpose of academic institutions. The individuals affected received a uniform notification from the library administration detailing the two-week suspension.

The protest, which involved professors wearing black scarves and reading books on academic freedom and dissent. Harvard University has not provided an official comment but shared an essay by Martha Whitehead, a Harvard librarian, defending the decision on the grounds that assemblies with visible signs change the nature of the library from a space of individual learning to one of public expression. In contrast, Professor Crespo contended that the ban represents a broader, worrying trend of silencing academic dissent in the United States, particularly with regard to issues of Palestinian advocacy.

Court ruling upholds students’ right to protest amid security concerns

On 1st October 2024, a federal judge in Maryland granted a request by the University of Maryland’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine to halt the university’s decision to cancel student-led events on 7th October to mourn those killed in Gaza during the ongoing conflict with Israel. The SPJ chapter had reserved a room for the vigil in July. However, the university raised concerns in August, citing pressure to cancel the event due to security risks. On 1st September, the university president announced the cancellation of all student-sponsored events on 7th October. The decision was justified by security concerns, including death threats received by officials.

The federal judge ruled that cancelling the event likely violated the student's First Amendment rights. The judge noted that the university could have taken other security measures without cancelling the event entirely, such as hiring additional personnel or law enforcement. The court found that the university’s action was neither neutral in viewpoint nor content, as it was driven by fears of disruption and opposition. The judge emphasised that these reasons were not valid under constitutional law:

Employment disqualifications over pro-Palestine protests

According to media reports, in July 2024, Sullivan & Cromwell, a leading New York City law firm, introduced a new employment policy that could impact applicants based on their participation in pro-Palestinian protests or affiliation with solidarity groups. The firm is said to work with the background check company HireRight to review candidates’ social media profiles, public protest footage and other materials to assess their involvement in specific activities. According to these reports, people attending events where certain slogans, such as “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free,” were used could face disqualification, even if they did not personally engage in chanting or organising.

While Sullivan & Cromwell has not confirmed whether the policy has resulted in any disqualifications, its introduction has prompted discussions about its implications for freedom of assembly and expression. The policy reflects a broader trend among law firms’ measures that may deter individuals from participating in lawful demonstrations or expressing political views. Policies assessing candidates’ political activities raise questions about unlawful limits to fundamental freedoms. For instance, in October 2023, other US law firms reportedly rescinded job offers to law students at Harvard and Columbia University due to their potential connection to pro-Palestinian statements.

UN experts and human rights organisations condemn crackdown on pro-Palestinian student protests

On 25th July 2024, 20 UN human rights experts expressed deep concern over what they describe as a widespread crackdown on pro-Palestinian student protests across university campuses in the US. Student-led encampments and demonstrations have emerged across the country, voicing solidarity with Palestinian civilians in Gaza and opposing university affiliations with companies profiting from the conflict and occupation. In many cases, university administrations have requested police intervention to dismantle these protests, with reports of forceful removals leading to injuries and hospitalisations.” Such actions are disproportionate and lack legal justification,” the experts stated.

The experts urged university administrations to cease punitive actions and reinstate students who have been expelled or suspended. They emphasised the obligations of the US under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

“We call on the government and university administrations to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the right to defend rights, in line with international human rights law, and create a safe, enabling environment in which everyone can express their views freely on matters of public interest.”

Likewise, on 2nd October 2024, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Gina Romero, published a report highlighting a worldwide trend: universities that should champion academic freedom and critical discourse are instead complicit in curbing dissent. Protesters have faced widespread stigmatisation, with authorities labelling their legitimate activism as “support for terrorism.” Surveillance has intensified, disciplinary actions have targeted minority groups and students disproportionately, and the use of excessive force by law enforcement has further escalated tensions.

In the US, cases of students and faculty being arrested on charges such as trespassing, refusal to comply with police orders, failure to disperse, conspiracy to commit an unspecified crime, disturbance of peace, or hate-related offences have drawn attention, with some individuals subsequently facing formal criminal charges.

The UN expert called for immediate reforms, urging the States and academic institutions to align their policies with human rights standards, facilitate peaceful assemblies and protect students and staff from retaliation:

“While the primary obligation to respect, protect and facilitate human rights rests with States, all actors-including universities and educational institutions (even if they are private-owned) - share the responsibility to respect and uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. All academic institutions, public and private, must take proactive steps to create a safe and supporting environment for exercising the rights of peaceful assembly, association and expression. These responsibilities also apply to private academic institutions, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”

On 31st October 2024, the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called on US university leaders to protect students’ freedom of peaceful assembly in support of Palestinian rights, following disturbing reports of excessive use of force by law enforcement during campus protests. Amnesty’s Digital Verification Corps identified at least 174 photos, videos and social media posts from 20 universities showing potential violations of international law, including the use of chemical irritants and rubber bullets against protesters. Media-verified reports documented severe injuries such as puncture wounds and head trauma, particularly at UCLA, Columbia University and City College of New York. The organisations called for immediate investigations and stronger protections for student activism, urging universities to defend free expression and uphold the right to protest.

Protesters rally during the GOP convention

On 15th July 2024, hundreds of protesters rallied in downtown Milwaukee to protest during the Republican National Convention. The protest was organised by The Coalition to March on the RNC, a group composed mainly of local organisations. Their platform included advocacy for abortion rights, immigrant rights and an end to the war in Gaza. Protesters gathered in a downtown park outside the security perimeter of the Fiserv Forum, where they listened to speeches before embarking on a street march. The event featured a festive atmosphere, with live music, vendors and activists showcasing political messages on T-shirts and buttons. Protest signs featured slogans such as “Stand with Palestine,” “We Can No Longer Afford the Rich,” and “Defend and Expand Immigrant Rights.”

Tensions flared briefly when some protesters engaged in a verbal confrontation with a counter-protester, who used a bullhorn to urge women to return to traditional domestic roles. The confrontation ended without violence as demonstrators walked away, while police monitored the situation.

Later in the day, the Philadelphia-based Poor People’s Army, a group advocating for economic justice, joined the rally. Jill Stein, a perennial Green Party presidential candidate, addressed the crowd, urging less military spending and greater investment in public education, social housing and healthcare. Cheri Honkala, a prominent anti-poverty activist, also spoke at the rally, emphasising the challenges faced by those living below the poverty line.

The Milwaukee Police Department reported two arrests by 9:30 p.m. One individual was cited for disorderly conduct after allegedly disrupting the protests, while the second person was arrested for obstructing a vehicle checkpoint.

Protesters clash with law enforcement in Chicago, leading to mass arrests

On 20th August 2024, at least 72 protesters, including three journalists (see expression), were arrested following clashes with police during a protest outside the Israeli consulate in Chicago. The protest escalated when protesters, many dressed in black and wearing masks, charged a police line blocking their march. Police used riot gear to contain the protesters throughout the night and prevent them from dispersing.

Most arrests occurred later in the evening when police confined protesters in a plaza. Some claimed they were attempting to leave, but police Superintendent Larry Snelling denied allegations that officers had “kettled” protesters, a practice banned under a federal consent decree. He defended the police response as proportional, stating that the protesters had intended to disrupt the area.

Earlier, thousands marched peacefully near the Democratic National Convention, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Police, however, restricted the protesters to a block of Madison Street, a busy downtown thoroughfare and closed most building entrances, allowing access only through a single entry point, which was manned by law enforcement.

While most demonstrations remained peaceful, some individuals set an American flag on fire during a celebratory event for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Haitian community protest against anti-immigrant speech

On 17th September 2024, a rally was held in the Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn, known as “Little Haiti,” where dozens of Haitian New Yorkers gathered to protest damaging anti-immigrant rhetoric. The demonstration was sparked by comments made by former President Donald Trump, who falsely claimed that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, “were eating residents’ pets.” These allegations, which have been widely debunked by local officials, have nonetheless had significant repercussions for the Haitian community.

Local leaders and residents at the rally voiced concerns that Trump’s remarks, which have been described as racist by many, have exacerbated existing tensions and led to increased bullying and harassment, particularly in schools. Sarah Dorelus, a local resident, shared her experiences with bullying that Haitian students have faced, attributing it to the negative portrayal of Haitians in the media. “These statements are harmful to our community,” she said, referring to the comments as “extremely racist” and unnecessary.

Lesly Richardson, another participant in the rally, spoke out against the use of the media to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about ethnic groups, particularly Black communities. “When you target one culture, you affect all immigrant groups,” Richardson said, calling for unity among diverse communities in resisting prejudice.

In response to the harmful rhetoric, the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a non-profit organisation that offers humanitarian, legal and social services to migrants and immigrants, filed criminal charges against Trump and Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance. The charges are related to their repeated dissemination of false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. These false claims, which included accusations of Haitians stealing and eating pets, have reportedly led to a number of threats and violent incidents against the Haitian community, including 30 bomb threats, school evacuations and incidents of harassment.

Expression

Arrests of journalists while covering a protest in Chicago

On 20th August 2024, at least three journalists were arrested while covering a peaceful protest outside the Israeli consulate in Chicago (see peaceful assembly). According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the police held the journalists for nine hours, confiscated their press credentials and did not return them until lawyers intervened. One journalist’s camera sustained damage. The following day, the Chicago Police Department confirmed the police charged the journalists with disorderly conduct and failure to comply with police orders.

Freedom of the Press Foundation condemned the journalists’ arrests, stating that: “The First Amendment prohibits police from dispersing law-abiding journalists covering protests, even in circumstances where lawbreaking protesters can be dispersed.”

Earlier in August 2024, authorities arrested and charged videographer Seligson with involvement in a hate crime after a pro-Palestinian protest. Protesters vandalised the homes of two Brooklyn Museum officials, including one Jewish official. A police report suggested Seligson participated in the protest by accompanying the protesters, but an unnamed law enforcement source clarified that he did not directly participate in the property damage. Seligson had previously faced arrest in May 2024 while documenting another protest. Authorities charged him with disorderly conduct, obstruction of government administration and resisting arrest, but closed that case later.

Trump’s rhetoric against journalists

According to RSF, during October and September 2024, Donald Trump intensified his verbal attacks on the media, insulting, threatening, or denouncing journalists over 100 times in public speeches. These remarks have become increasingly regular at his rallies, with Trump often encouraging crowds to boo reporters. On 18th September, during a rally campaign in New York, Trump told supporters that he had a message to deliver to “the fake news media.” He then gestured to the back of the room where the press corps was assembled and said: “Look how many there are.” Following this, supporters proceeded to loudly boo and jeer at the reporters. ´

Despite the frequency of these attacks, they rarely make news headlines, raising concerns that such rhetoric is becoming normalised. RSF warned that the growing disregard for these verbal assaults poses a threat to press freedom, as unchecked, such rhetoric could lead to more serious consequences, including violent actions. Trump’s attacks are not only limited to verbal insults but extend to direct threats against the media. He has repeatedly called for broadcast licences to be revoked and suggested punitive measures against media outlets like CBS and Comcast.

Workers dismissed after defying museum’s political dress code

On 12th September 2024, New York City's Noguchi Museum confirmed the dismissal of three employees after they wore keffiyehs to work, citing a violation of its newly implemented dress code. The museum, founded by the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, announced a policy in August 2024 prohibiting attire that conveyed “political messages, slogans or symbols,” after several workers had been wearing keffiyehs for months.

While the museum framed the ban as a measure to maintain neutrality and inclusivity, one dismissed employee argued that the action disproportionately targeted expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian cause, casting doubt on the institution’s commitment to diversity. More than 50 staff members signed a petition condemning the museum’s actions, describing the firing of employees as part of a troubling pattern of retaliation for those advocating for social justice causes.

Florida Health Department’s attack on abortion ad faces legal pushback

In early October 2024, the Florida Department of Health (FHD) issued cease-and-desist letters to two local TV stations—WCJB in Gainesville and WFLA in Tampa—threatening prosecution for creating a “sanitary nuisance” due to an advertisement featuring a woman discussing her brain cancer diagnosis while pregnant. In the ad, the woman says: “The doctors knew that if I did not end my pregnancy, I would lose my baby, my life, and my daughter would lose her mother. Florida has now banned abortion, even in cases like mine.”

Florida’s six-week abortion ban allows the procedure in medical emergencies, but doctors nationwide report that the wording of such exceptions is so vague that it forces them to deny abortions or wait until patients become seriously ill before they can be legally treated. This action by the FHD underscores the intensifying political debate surrounding Amendment 4, which seeks to enshrine abortion rights in Florida’s constitution.

On 16th October 2024, Floridians Protecting Freedom filed a lawsuit requesting a restraining order to prevent the FHD from coercing or threatening TV stations that aired the ad. The following day, a federal judge temporarily barred the FHD from taking any further action to coerce or intimidate broadcasters that run the ad. The judge affirmed that “the state had produced its own campaign opposing the ballot initiative and said that demanding the removal of opposing ads amounted to censorship.”