The McLellan

Do you have a question about student free speech rights? Submit all questions about protests, speech, newspapers, and other policies to our website for answers and general explanations.

Civil discourse has declined over the years and experts point to an increase in technological communication and a lack of understanding of the First Amendment as reasons why. Read more here: mclellan.law.msu.edu/articles/civil…

Public school violated student’s First Amendment right when it punished a student for using vulgar words and gestures on social media, Supreme Court decided last month. Read the story here: mclellan.law.msu.edu/articles/mahan…

During an online meeting, a Michigan resident criticized some decisions made by her county. The commissioner then flashed a rifle on the screen. Read how this involves the First Amendment, and the arguments for both the resident and commissioner: mclellan.law.msu.edu/articles/flash…

The Supreme Court is going to hear oral arguments about a high school cheerleader who used profane language on Snapchat. This case is going to impact the future of free speech rights for all public school students in the US. Read more about the case here: mclellan.law.msu.edu/articles/supre…

Download the ACLU mobile app! Connect with @mclellanlib and @msucolblsa!

This workshop presented by the MSU First Amendment Law Clinic in partnership with @msucolblsa and @ctfiredup seeks to facilitate a conversation about race, policing, and a young person’s 4th Amendment rights when dealing with law enforcement.

Have questions about free speech? The @mclellanlib Online Free Speech Library connects students and educators to resources explaining students’ first amendment rights. Visit the website here: mclellan.law.msu.edu

Fox News faces a $4B suit for its election reports, but does this chill free speech? No, says Nancy Costello, director of the McLellan. In her interview with Australia's Radio National, Costello says this brings the industry back to responsible journalism. mclellan.law.msu.edu/articles/fox-n…

This case is one to watch! It asks an important question: what authority, if any, does a public school have to limit off-campus student speech? Oral argument is set for April 28 and a decision should be handed down this summer.

We are saddened by the loss of free speech advocate and Co-founder of the MSU Law First Amendment Clinic, Jane Briggs-Bunting. Her zealous advocacy of free speech will live on forever. mclellan.law.msu.edu/articles/first…

Can defamation lawsuits against news outlets actually help, and not hinder, the free press? Nancy Costello, @MSULaw First Amendment Clinic Director and Supervisor for The McLellan, says yes. Read her article for the @ConversationEDU to learn more! mclellan.law.msu.edu/articles/defam…

The McLellan got an upgrade! Check out our new website design and color scheme at mclellan.law.msu.edu. We're feeling rather fancy, if we do say so ourselves 😄

More than forty groups, including @MSULaw's First Amendment Clinic, sent President Joe Biden a letter urging his administration to make government transparency a priority. To read more about the letter, visit the McLellan! mclellanlib.com/articles/biden…

Inspiring, important student work: “Journalism Against the Odds”

“Did Trump intend for his speech to be taken as a call for violence?” Prof. Nancy Costello, First Amendment expert and supervisor of The McLellan, weighs in on incitement speech as the #ImpeachmentTrial continues.

Need an example of what students can say about their administration? Tyler, an MSU Law First Amendment Clinic alumnus, has you covered. He taught Michigan students about their First Amendment rights and they listened! Good work, Tyler. 😎

Dear teen journalist: Essay contest made for you! @spj_tweets fdn & @nationalJEA "Why must journalists strive to improve diversity & representation in both their coverage & in their newsrooms, & how might this happen?" Feb. 19 deadline spj.org/a-hs.asp

Ever wonder what information your school can and cannot release about you? Get the scoop with our guide to FERPA, the law that protects the privacy rights of students! mclellanlib.com/questions/ferp…

Prof. Nancy Costello, director of #MSULaw's First Amendment Clinic, breaks down the amendment for MSU Today following recent events in our nation. Read here: bit.ly/3o0xAFf