American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a national organization that works to defend civil rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. In the following viewpoint, the ACLU argues that hate speech is protected by the First Amendment and therefore cannot be restricted. Codes that prohibit hate speech on college campuses do not solve the problem of bigotry, the organization contends; instead, such codes simply drive bigotry underground where it is more difficult to combat. According to the ACLU, the best way to combat hate speech is through education and a tolerant environment.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the ACLU’s opinion, why should hate speech be kept out in the open?
2. When should speech be considered conduct, and therefore no longer protected by the First Amendment...