As 2024 comes to a close, I reflect on the victories that have shaped this year for free speech and civil liberties. These moments are particularly meaningful to me, as they highlight the ongoing fight to protect the freedoms that I’ve always championed, both in my activism and personal journey.
Academic Neutrality Gains Momentum
A growing trend among major universities to adopt academic neutrality policies marked a significant victory for free speech this year. These policies ensure that universities remain spaces for open inquiry and debate, free from ideological pressure or censorship. Students are finally finding room to explore diverse ideas, reinforcing campuses as bastions of intellectual freedom.
Daniel Penny’s Acquittal: A Civil Liberties Milestone
The acquittal of Daniel Penny in the highly publicized subway chokehold case was a crucial moment for civil liberties. The decision upheld the principle that defending public safety is not a crime. By acquitting Penny, the jury sent a powerful message that individuals have the right to protect themselves and others without fear of unjust punishment.
President Trump’s Survival: A Win for National Civility
One of the less conventional but no less significant moments of 2024 was President-elect Donald Trump surviving, not one, but two assassination attempts. Regardless of political views, the safety of every political candidate must be a priority. Violence against candidates undermines civility and threatens the democratic process itself.
Chevron Doctrine Reconsidered
In Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, the Supreme Court began dismantling the administrative state’s unchecked power. By limiting agencies’ ability to interpret ambiguous laws without accountability, this decision put power back in the hands of elected representatives. It was a win for democratic governance and a step toward reining in bureaucracies that too often operate beyond voters’ control.
The NRA-ACLU Alliance: A Rare and Powerful Moment
In a unanimous Supreme Court decision, the National Rifle Association’s victory, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, demonstrated that civil liberties know no partisan boundaries. This landmark case not only upheld Second Amendment rights but also highlighted how organizations with opposing ideologies can unite when fundamental freedoms are at stake. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration in defending constitutional rights.
As someone who has dedicated much of my life to defending free speech and civil liberties, I find these victories especially meaningful. They’re a reminder that even in a time of increasing polarization, our constitutional rights must remain a priority. Each of these cases represents not just a legal win but a reaffirmation of the fundamental freedoms that define who we are as a nation. Whether it’s defending individual rights on campus, ensuring public safety, or protecting democratic processes, these moments mark important steps toward safeguarding the freedoms that allow America to thrive.
