Adam Steinbaugh
@adamsteinbaugh.bsky.social
Philly. First Amendment lawyer at FIRE. Licensed in CA, PA. Opinions my own.
VICTORY: Federal court dismisses class action lawsuit against pollster J. Ann Selzer, filed by the “Center for American Rights”
www.thefire.org/news/victory...
www.thefire.org/news/victory...
VICTORY! Federal district court dismisses class-action suit against pollster J. Ann Selzer
Federal district court tosses ‘fake news’ lawsuit against pollster J. Ann Selzer, affirming First Amendment protections for election commentary.
www.thefire.org
November 6, 2025 at 8:44 PM
VICTORY: Federal court dismisses class action lawsuit against pollster J. Ann Selzer, filed by the “Center for American Rights”
www.thefire.org/news/victory...
www.thefire.org/news/victory...
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
It's insane that this even needs to be said.
“A free country does not dispatch police in the dead of night to pull people from their homes because a sheriff objects to their social media posts,” @adamsteinbaugh.bsky.social speaking to @willoremus.com.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
“A free country does not dispatch police in the dead of night to pull people from their homes because a sheriff objects to their social media posts,” @adamsteinbaugh.bsky.social speaking to @willoremus.com.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
A retired policeman posted a Charlie Kirk meme. He spent a month in jail.
The 61-year-old Tennessee man plans to sue after authorities dropped charges over a political Facebook post. Free-speech advocates say it’s a symptom of a wider crackdown.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:36 PM
It's insane that this even needs to be said.
“A free country does not dispatch police in the dead of night to pull people from their homes because a sheriff objects to their social media posts,” @adamsteinbaugh.bsky.social speaking to @willoremus.com.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
“A free country does not dispatch police in the dead of night to pull people from their homes because a sheriff objects to their social media posts,” @adamsteinbaugh.bsky.social speaking to @willoremus.com.
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
It's good that LPD is clarifying this because police officers knocking on doors and demanding people delete posts would be absolutely nuts
The Sheriff's story about the arrest of Larry Bushart over a Trump/Kirk meme continues to fall apart.
Sheriff claims the arrest was necessary because Bushart refused to "clarify" to local police that his meme wasn't a threat. The police department says that's not true.
www.wkrn.com/news/local-n...
Sheriff claims the arrest was necessary because Bushart refused to "clarify" to local police that his meme wasn't a threat. The police department says that's not true.
www.wkrn.com/news/local-n...
October 29, 2025 at 3:22 PM
It's good that LPD is clarifying this because police officers knocking on doors and demanding people delete posts would be absolutely nuts
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
Former cop is in jail for committing thought crime against the memory of Charlie Kirk theintercept.com/2025/10/23/c...
The Absurd Prosecution of a Man Who Posted a Charlie Kirk Meme
Larry Bushart Jr. posted trolling memes on a Facebook thread about a vigil for Kirk. He’s been in a Tennessee jail ever since.
theintercept.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Former cop is in jail for committing thought crime against the memory of Charlie Kirk theintercept.com/2025/10/23/c...
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
This is absolutely insane. Must read
Larry Bushart Jr. posted trolling memes on a Facebook thread about a vigil for Kirk. He’s been in a Tennessee jail ever since. interc.pt/4njg2T8
October 24, 2025 at 7:10 PM
This is absolutely insane. Must read
The sheriff said the post caused “mass hysteria” among parents and teachers.
But the school district says they don't have a single record about it -- and the sheriff's department says it won't respond to public records requests.
But the school district says they don't have a single record about it -- and the sheriff's department says it won't respond to public records requests.
Larry Bushart Jr. posted trolling memes on a Facebook thread about a vigil for Kirk. He’s been in a Tennessee jail ever since. interc.pt/4njg2T8
October 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The sheriff said the post caused “mass hysteria” among parents and teachers.
But the school district says they don't have a single record about it -- and the sheriff's department says it won't respond to public records requests.
But the school district says they don't have a single record about it -- and the sheriff's department says it won't respond to public records requests.
Who got pardoned now
October 24, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Who got pardoned now
Larry Bushart has been in jail for a month. The Sheriff is brazenly refusing to respond to public records requests.
Larry Bushart Jr. posted trolling memes on a Facebook thread about a vigil for Kirk. He’s been in a Tennessee jail ever since. interc.pt/4njg2T8
October 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Larry Bushart has been in jail for a month. The Sheriff is brazenly refusing to respond to public records requests.
Iowa federal court issues temporary restraining order against school district's efforts to fire high school teacher over social media comment about Charlie Kirk. If people complaining to the school were "disruption," it would effectuate a heckler's veto. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
![Because Crook spoke as a citizen on a matter of public concern, the Court must next determine whether Defendants have produced evidence to indicate Crook’s speech had an adverse impact on the efficiency of their operations. Cf. Mayfield, 122 F.4th at 1053. At this stage of the litigation, the Court determines Defendants’ allegations of harm to school operations are insufficient to warrant denial of a temporary restraining order. Defendants allege the district received “111 emails and 140 phone calls,” the vast majority of which originated from parents “asking for [Crook’s] termination or requesting that their children be removed from [Crook’s] class.” ECF No. 9-1 at 8; see ECF No. 1-12 at 1. Defendants cite Crook’s “inability to effectively work with the parents of her students,” which “would significantly hamper her job performance” as evidence of disruption. ECF No. 9-1 at 9. Further, Defendants allege Crook’s speech made it “impossible for her to serve as a positive role model for her students.” Id. Significantly, “[m]ere allegations the speech disrupted the workplace or affected morale, without evidentiary support, are insufficient.” Lindsey, 491 F.3d at 899. Without further evidence, denying a temporary restraining order on “such ‘vague and conclusory’ concerns . . . runs the risk of constitutionalizing a heckler’s veto.” Melton v. City of Forrest City, Ark., 147 F.4th 896, 903 (8th Cir. 2025) (quoting Sexton v. Martin, 210 F.3d 905, 912 (8th Cir. 2000)). Defendants have not produced sufficient evidence to indicate Crook’s speech had an adverse impact on the operations of the District.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7r477jd7q7p2mzmyqfm7jmp7/bafkreigq45ti4zmzwfql25apklvooair5sfx7p2ef6me7ofcnvx5ld6vfi@jpeg)
October 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Iowa federal court issues temporary restraining order against school district's efforts to fire high school teacher over social media comment about Charlie Kirk. If people complaining to the school were "disruption," it would effectuate a heckler's veto. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Auburn University -- a public institution fully bound by the First Amendment -- fired a landscaper after a student complained about his comments about Charlie Kirk. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Auburn University -- a public institution fully bound by the First Amendment -- fired a landscaper after a student complained about his comments about Charlie Kirk. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Update from the Mayor of Fairhope, who is hopelessly wrong: 1819news.com/news/item/pe...
Wearing a costume is peaceful.
This is not profanity, but profanity is protected by the First Amendment. Cohen v. California.
This is not obscene. If you think this is erotic, you are alone.
Wearing a costume is peaceful.
This is not profanity, but profanity is protected by the First Amendment. Cohen v. California.
This is not obscene. If you think this is erotic, you are alone.
October 20, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Update from the Mayor of Fairhope, who is hopelessly wrong: 1819news.com/news/item/pe...
Wearing a costume is peaceful.
This is not profanity, but profanity is protected by the First Amendment. Cohen v. California.
This is not obscene. If you think this is erotic, you are alone.
Wearing a costume is peaceful.
This is not profanity, but profanity is protected by the First Amendment. Cohen v. California.
This is not obscene. If you think this is erotic, you are alone.
@thekoolaidmom.bsky.social Any chance you can put me in touch with the woman who was arrested or know her name (or know anyone else who has video)? I do pro bono First Amendment work and this looks egregious. Feel free to DM or email me: adam@thefire.org
October 19, 2025 at 2:21 PM
@thekoolaidmom.bsky.social Any chance you can put me in touch with the woman who was arrested or know her name (or know anyone else who has video)? I do pro bono First Amendment work and this looks egregious. Feel free to DM or email me: adam@thefire.org
Trump releases fraudster George Santos from prison for (R)easons.
October 17, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Trump releases fraudster George Santos from prison for (R)easons.
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick. No valid law actually requires this, and the First Amendment would protect expression that deviates regardless. Any admin should resign rather than pushing this.
A Texas public university administrator's notes for a meeting with faculty.
"No daylight": faculty "cannot discuss or teach anything regarding transgender - only male and female." They must "scrub" syllabi for "transgender items."
And keep everything out of writing: "Don't email; talk directly."
"No daylight": faculty "cannot discuss or teach anything regarding transgender - only male and female." They must "scrub" syllabi for "transgender items."
And keep everything out of writing: "Don't email; talk directly."
October 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick. No valid law actually requires this, and the First Amendment would protect expression that deviates regardless. Any admin should resign rather than pushing this.
A Texas public university administrator's notes for a meeting with faculty.
"No daylight": faculty "cannot discuss or teach anything regarding transgender - only male and female." They must "scrub" syllabi for "transgender items."
And keep everything out of writing: "Don't email; talk directly."
"No daylight": faculty "cannot discuss or teach anything regarding transgender - only male and female." They must "scrub" syllabi for "transgender items."
And keep everything out of writing: "Don't email; talk directly."
October 17, 2025 at 2:37 PM
A Texas public university administrator's notes for a meeting with faculty.
"No daylight": faculty "cannot discuss or teach anything regarding transgender - only male and female." They must "scrub" syllabi for "transgender items."
And keep everything out of writing: "Don't email; talk directly."
"No daylight": faculty "cannot discuss or teach anything regarding transgender - only male and female." They must "scrub" syllabi for "transgender items."
And keep everything out of writing: "Don't email; talk directly."
Federal court (after six years!) rules on and dismisses Gavin McInnes' lawsuit against the @splcenter.org
The case sought to declare it defamatory to say McInnes and the Proud Boys are "extremists," "far-right," a "hate group", or "white supremacists."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
The case sought to declare it defamatory to say McInnes and the Proud Boys are "extremists," "far-right," a "hate group", or "white supremacists."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
![The Eleventh Circuit has noted that "there is a
fair debate about whether the term hate group is
definable in such a way that it is provable as false" and
that the "debate is complicated [further] by the fact
that SPLC put its own definition of the term on its
website." Coral. Ridge, 6 F.4th at 1252 n.7. This court
need not resolve at this time the questions posed in that
debate. But if it had to, it has already found that
SPLC's hate group designation was not provable as false
because "there is no single, commonly understood meaning
of the term 'hate group'" from which to test the label's
veracity. Coral. Ridge, 406 F. Supp. 3d 1258, 1274 (M.D.
Ala. 2019) (Thompson, J.).
The underlying issue highlighted throughout
Mcinnes' s arguments is that SPLC has amassed too much
influence over social media companies. This is neither
here nor there. It has been said that the film critic
Roger Ebert could make or break a film's financial...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7r477jd7q7p2mzmyqfm7jmp7/bafkreieqpbq753tsuodzegqpoo2fcfmodmwq3wlltwawpnvsnx63gfjjqi@jpeg)
October 16, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Federal court (after six years!) rules on and dismisses Gavin McInnes' lawsuit against the @splcenter.org
The case sought to declare it defamatory to say McInnes and the Proud Boys are "extremists," "far-right," a "hate group", or "white supremacists."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
The case sought to declare it defamatory to say McInnes and the Proud Boys are "extremists," "far-right," a "hate group", or "white supremacists."
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Here's the opinion. It's a rout. Too often, courts address only the actual malice question and do not reach falsity. This court correctly says there's no actual malice *and* the plaintiff did not show there were any false statements. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
In 2024, I wrote a story for Texas Monthly about Michelle Haas, whose complaints resulted in the removal of books about slavery from historic Texas slave plantations. Haas sued us, alleging defamation, and was represented by the preferred lawyer of billionaire J.P. Bryan. Today, we won on appeal.
October 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Here's the opinion. It's a rout. Too often, courts address only the actual malice question and do not reach falsity. This court correctly says there's no actual malice *and* the plaintiff did not show there were any false statements. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
New: A federal judge in Austin has temporarily blocked key parts of Texas' new law limiting expression on campuses, halting the University of Texas System's enforcement of a ban on overnight expression.
Federal judge temporarily blocks key parts of state law that limits campus protests
The law banned “expressive activity” on campuses from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., among other restrictions. “The Court cannot trust the universities to enforce their policies in a constitutional way,” the judg...
www.texastribune.org
October 14, 2025 at 9:18 PM
New: A federal judge in Austin has temporarily blocked key parts of Texas' new law limiting expression on campuses, halting the University of Texas System's enforcement of a ban on overnight expression.
SUPREME COURT: "It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate"
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE.: well, let's give it a go
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE.: well, let's give it a go
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
October 14, 2025 at 1:39 PM
SUPREME COURT: "It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate"
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE.: well, let's give it a go
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE.: well, let's give it a go
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
“They are deliberately blurring the line between speech protected by the First Amendment and violence or other unlawful activity, and they seem to be quite explicitly listing viewpoints that they don’t like as predicates for an all-of-government crackdown."
Trump’s Directive on ‘Organized Political Violence’ Could Lead to Increased Surveillance of His Critics
The president issued a directive that could make dissent riskier for people and nonprofits.
www.notus.org
October 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
“They are deliberately blurring the line between speech protected by the First Amendment and violence or other unlawful activity, and they seem to be quite explicitly listing viewpoints that they don’t like as predicates for an all-of-government crackdown."
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
Holy hell. DHS just openly stated that its agents use “reasonable suspicion” to make ARRESTS. This is blatantly unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is clear that you need probable cause to arrest someone, as opposed to stop them to ask them a question or two. This is huge b/c…
October 3, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Holy hell. DHS just openly stated that its agents use “reasonable suspicion” to make ARRESTS. This is blatantly unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is clear that you need probable cause to arrest someone, as opposed to stop them to ask them a question or two. This is huge b/c…
Delaware GOP demanding an investigation and "consequences" over a University of Delaware student comedy sketch TV show (akin to SNL) because its closing credits offered "Special Thanks to: Charlie Kirk's Killer" (and also "Cocaine" and "Pollution").
October 2, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Delaware GOP demanding an investigation and "consequences" over a University of Delaware student comedy sketch TV show (akin to SNL) because its closing credits offered "Special Thanks to: Charlie Kirk's Killer" (and also "Cocaine" and "Pollution").
Reposted by Adam Steinbaugh
AAUP v. Rubio is out, and look at how it starts. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
September 30, 2025 at 4:37 PM
AAUP v. Rubio is out, and look at how it starts. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...