Alex Abdo
@alexabdo.bsky.social
Litigation Director, Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University (he/him)
Well worth the time to read this piece by the ACLU's Brett Max Kaufman on the Trump administration's boat strikes.
Here's the kicker:
Here's the kicker:
November 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Well worth the time to read this piece by the ACLU's Brett Max Kaufman on the Trump administration's boat strikes.
Here's the kicker:
Here's the kicker:
Reposted by Alex Abdo
NEW: Fourth Circuit denies the government’s request for a rehearing in our challenge to a DOJ policy silencing immigration judges. We look forward to continuing the fight for the right of immigration judges to speak on matters of urgent public interest.
knightcolumbia.org/documents/sn...
knightcolumbia.org/documents/sn...
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 PM
NEW: Fourth Circuit denies the government’s request for a rehearing in our challenge to a DOJ policy silencing immigration judges. We look forward to continuing the fight for the right of immigration judges to speak on matters of urgent public interest.
knightcolumbia.org/documents/sn...
knightcolumbia.org/documents/sn...
Great to finally see some collective action in rejecting a (likely unconstitutional) demand made by the Trump administration.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Media including Fox News overwhelmingly reject Pentagon press policy
Fox News, along with ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN, said that the Pentagon policy violates their “core journalistic protections.”
www.washingtonpost.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Great to finally see some collective action in rejecting a (likely unconstitutional) demand made by the Trump administration.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
This is a perilous moment for democracy in the United States, but I couldn’t be prouder of the Knight Institute’s work right now, and I don’t take for granted that we have the freedom and resources to do it. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
This free speech group at Columbia is taking on Trump when the university won’t – and winning
The Knight Institute is defending free speech at a school now synonymous with compromising on it
www.theguardian.com
October 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
This is a perilous moment for democracy in the United States, but I couldn’t be prouder of the Knight Institute’s work right now, and I don’t take for granted that we have the freedom and resources to do it. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
Very proud of my colleagues right now--especially @ramyakrishnan.bsky.social and @alexabdo.bsky.social. But we could not have got this far without the superb trial lawyers at Sher Tremonte. Grateful to them for all of the time and energy they put into this case. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/u...
Judge Rules Trump Unlawfully Targeted Noncitizens Over Pro-Palestinian Speech
www.nytimes.com
September 30, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Very proud of my colleagues right now--especially @ramyakrishnan.bsky.social and @alexabdo.bsky.social. But we could not have got this far without the superb trial lawyers at Sher Tremonte. Grateful to them for all of the time and energy they put into this case. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/u...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
Tomorrow night, for folks not planning to watch the Yankees/Red Sox game, the 92nd St Y has four different talks. Thomas Friedman, Malcolm Gladwell, Kate McKinnon/Penn Badgley... or *me* with Lee Rowland & @alexabdo.bsky.social! (Ours is streaming only, not in person).
September 29, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Tomorrow night, for folks not planning to watch the Yankees/Red Sox game, the 92nd St Y has four different talks. Thomas Friedman, Malcolm Gladwell, Kate McKinnon/Penn Badgley... or *me* with Lee Rowland & @alexabdo.bsky.social! (Ours is streaming only, not in person).
Reposted by Alex Abdo
Took a look at Kimmel's ouster in light of the longstanding Republican attacks on social media over jawboning, which, the Supreme Court has found, requires a direct causal line.
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
Legal experts say pulling Jimmy Kimmel from air may amount to illegal 'jawboning'
Free speech scholars say ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely represents "jawboning," when government officials pressure private companies to suppress speech.
www.npr.org
September 18, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Took a look at Kimmel's ouster in light of the longstanding Republican attacks on social media over jawboning, which, the Supreme Court has found, requires a direct causal line.
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
The Kimmel case "is as direct a line as you could dream up," @alexabdo.bsky.social told me
www.npr.org/2025/09/18/n...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
Condemning another absolutely disgraceful act of gun violence. My thoughts & prayers are w/ Charlie Kirk & his family in this terrible moment & we are all grateful for first responders who immediately jumped into action.
We must categorically reject all violence in our society.
We must categorically reject all violence in our society.
September 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Condemning another absolutely disgraceful act of gun violence. My thoughts & prayers are w/ Charlie Kirk & his family in this terrible moment & we are all grateful for first responders who immediately jumped into action.
We must categorically reject all violence in our society.
We must categorically reject all violence in our society.
Chief Justice Roberts (2007): “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.”
Justice Kavanaugh (2025): ethnicity “can be a 'relevant factor' when considered along with other salient factors” in immigration stops.
Justice Kavanaugh (2025): ethnicity “can be a 'relevant factor' when considered along with other salient factors” in immigration stops.
September 8, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Chief Justice Roberts (2007): “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.”
Justice Kavanaugh (2025): ethnicity “can be a 'relevant factor' when considered along with other salient factors” in immigration stops.
Justice Kavanaugh (2025): ethnicity “can be a 'relevant factor' when considered along with other salient factors” in immigration stops.
Reposted by Alex Abdo
The Columbia settlement is an “astonishing transfer of autonomy and authority to . . . an administration whose disdain for the values of the academy is demonstrated anew every day.” New @knightcolumbia.org analysis of the Columbia settlement, just published. knightcolumbia.org/blog/what-th...
What the Columbia Settlement Really Means
knightcolumbia.org
August 4, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The Columbia settlement is an “astonishing transfer of autonomy and authority to . . . an administration whose disdain for the values of the academy is demonstrated anew every day.” New @knightcolumbia.org analysis of the Columbia settlement, just published. knightcolumbia.org/blog/what-th...
Recent law grads — we're now hiring for legal fellows to begin in Fall 2025. Our First Amendment rights are under daily assault. I hope you'll consider applying to work with us at @knightcolumbia.org to push back.
knightcolumbia.org/page/legal-f...
knightcolumbia.org/page/legal-f...
| Knight First Amendment Institute
knightcolumbia.org
July 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Recent law grads — we're now hiring for legal fellows to begin in Fall 2025. Our First Amendment rights are under daily assault. I hope you'll consider applying to work with us at @knightcolumbia.org to push back.
knightcolumbia.org/page/legal-f...
knightcolumbia.org/page/legal-f...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
JUST IN: the Ninth Circuit has revived the @elfaroenglish.bsky.social case against NSO Group. Congrats to my @knightcolumbia.org colleague @carriedecell.bsky.social, who argued the appeal, and to our co-counsel at Selendy Gay. Statement coming shortly. knightcolumbia.org/documents/1x...
July 8, 2025 at 5:45 PM
JUST IN: the Ninth Circuit has revived the @elfaroenglish.bsky.social case against NSO Group. Congrats to my @knightcolumbia.org colleague @carriedecell.bsky.social, who argued the appeal, and to our co-counsel at Selendy Gay. Statement coming shortly. knightcolumbia.org/documents/1x...
Enjoyed this conversation with @cristianfarias.com about our upcoming trial — starting July 7 — in our suit challenging the Trump administration's policy of deporting students and scholars based on their pro-Palestinian expression.
🔊NEW PODCAST: In the lead-up to next week's trial, listen to a primer on our pivotal case challenging the Trump admin's policy of arresting, detaining, & deporting noncitizen students & faculty who participate in pro-Palestinian activism. W/ @alexabdo.bsky.social. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Protests, Deportations, and the Climate of Repression on Campus
Podcast Episode · The Bully's Pulpit: Trump v. The First Amendment · 06/27/2025 · 28m
podcasts.apple.com
July 1, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Enjoyed this conversation with @cristianfarias.com about our upcoming trial — starting July 7 — in our suit challenging the Trump administration's policy of deporting students and scholars based on their pro-Palestinian expression.
This amicus brief by @ccrjustice.org and Palestine Legal rightly points out that Title VI does not—and could not constitutionally—require universities to suppress criticism of Israel's policies.
static1.squarespace.com/static/54874...
static1.squarespace.com/static/54874...
May 16, 2025 at 7:14 PM
This amicus brief by @ccrjustice.org and Palestine Legal rightly points out that Title VI does not—and could not constitutionally—require universities to suppress criticism of Israel's policies.
static1.squarespace.com/static/54874...
static1.squarespace.com/static/54874...
In response to a lawsuit filed by @knightcolumbia.org and @earthjustice.org, the USDA is restoring climate-related webpages that it had purged.
Great news for the farmers and advocates we represent.
apnews.com/article/usda...
Great news for the farmers and advocates we represent.
apnews.com/article/usda...
Facing lawsuit, USDA says it will restore climate change-related webpages
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to restore webpages related to climate change after it was sued earlier this year over the deletions.
apnews.com
May 13, 2025 at 7:31 PM
In response to a lawsuit filed by @knightcolumbia.org and @earthjustice.org, the USDA is restoring climate-related webpages that it had purged.
Great news for the farmers and advocates we represent.
apnews.com/article/usda...
Great news for the farmers and advocates we represent.
apnews.com/article/usda...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
We're hiring! If you're eager to work at the ACLU on issues where civil liberties and national security meet, we're hiring for an attorney position.
And help us spread the word!
www.aclu.org/careers/appl...
And help us spread the word!
www.aclu.org/careers/appl...
Careers at ACLU
Join our team! We’re looking for committed, passionate people for open roles at the ACLU.
www.aclu.org
May 8, 2025 at 6:42 PM
We're hiring! If you're eager to work at the ACLU on issues where civil liberties and national security meet, we're hiring for an attorney position.
And help us spread the word!
www.aclu.org/careers/appl...
And help us spread the word!
www.aclu.org/careers/appl...
NEW JOB: The Knight Institute (@knightcolumbia.org) is looking for a staff attorney to join us for a two-year position. It's an extremely busy time for the First Amendment, and we could use some more hands on deck!
knightcolumbia.org/page/staff_a...
knightcolumbia.org/page/staff_a...
| Knight First Amendment Institute
knightcolumbia.org
May 7, 2025 at 5:37 PM
NEW JOB: The Knight Institute (@knightcolumbia.org) is looking for a staff attorney to join us for a two-year position. It's an extremely busy time for the First Amendment, and we could use some more hands on deck!
knightcolumbia.org/page/staff_a...
knightcolumbia.org/page/staff_a...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
In a really important passage, the judge rejects the relevance of the Second Red Scare precedents that the govt is relying upon, and affirms the significance of the 1A interests at stake here. The opinion makes clear how egregious the govt's actions have been.
April 29, 2025 at 7:50 PM
In a really important passage, the judge rejects the relevance of the Second Red Scare precedents that the govt is relying upon, and affirms the significance of the 1A interests at stake here. The opinion makes clear how egregious the govt's actions have been.
Reposted by Alex Abdo
Federal court says First Amendment bars government from arresting, deporting foreign students on basis of pro-Palestine advocacy. Important ruling from Judge Young just now in case brought by @aaup.bsky.social @mesa1966.bsky.social @knightcolumbia.org. knightcolumbia.org/content/fede...
April 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Federal court says First Amendment bars government from arresting, deporting foreign students on basis of pro-Palestine advocacy. Important ruling from Judge Young just now in case brought by @aaup.bsky.social @mesa1966.bsky.social @knightcolumbia.org. knightcolumbia.org/content/fede...
Free speech is under grave assault, and it’s not obvious how to push back in a way that will be effective.
Looking forward to discussing that question at tomorrow’s panel.
Looking forward to discussing that question at tomorrow’s panel.
Who will stand up for free expression? Join CDT + a powerhouse panel — incl. FCC’s @agomezfcc.bsky.social, @alexabdo.bsky.social, Kate Tumarello & @alexreevegivens.bsky.social — for a convo on defending the First Amendment.
🗓️ April 24 | 2-3PM ET | Webinar
RSVP: cdt.org/event/who-wi...
🗓️ April 24 | 2-3PM ET | Webinar
RSVP: cdt.org/event/who-wi...
April 23, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Free speech is under grave assault, and it’s not obvious how to push back in a way that will be effective.
Looking forward to discussing that question at tomorrow’s panel.
Looking forward to discussing that question at tomorrow’s panel.
Reposted by Alex Abdo
I feel like we need to keep saying this because it’s so insane: This is a legal U.S. resident who has been detained for over a month now for his political opinions.
The Department of Homeland Security denied Mahmoud Khalil permission to attend the birth of his first child, who was delivered at a New York hospital on Monday, according to emails reviewed by The New York Times.
Mahmoud Khalil’s Son Arrives After ICE Refuses to Let Him Attend Birth
Mr. Khalil, a permanent resident detained in Louisiana, had requested a monitored furlough for the birth. His request was denied in less than an hour.
www.nytimes.com
April 22, 2025 at 1:28 AM
I feel like we need to keep saying this because it’s so insane: This is a legal U.S. resident who has been detained for over a month now for his political opinions.
Excellent piece by @mashagessen.bsky.social on how universities should fight Trump’s attack on higher education.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/o...
Opinion | This Is How Universities Can Escape Trump’s Trap, If They Dare
It’s been tried in other countries facing authoritarian crackdowns. It works.
www.nytimes.com
April 14, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Excellent piece by @mashagessen.bsky.social on how universities should fight Trump’s attack on higher education.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/o...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
100 years of First Amendment law is worth very little if it doesn’t foreclose the government from arresting, imprisoning, and expelling legal permanent residents on the basis of their lawful political speech.
JENA, La. (AP) — Immigration judge rules that Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported.
April 11, 2025 at 8:19 PM
100 years of First Amendment law is worth very little if it doesn’t foreclose the government from arresting, imprisoning, and expelling legal permanent residents on the basis of their lawful political speech.
At 9:30 ET, I’ll be arguing in the D.C. Circuit on behalf of @accountableorg.bsky.social in its challenge to the secrecy of OLC opinions.
OLC opinions set the law of the executive branch, but they’re usually kept secret.
Hoping we can change that today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzft...
OLC opinions set the law of the executive branch, but they’re usually kept secret.
Hoping we can change that today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzft...
www.youtube.com
April 11, 2025 at 11:59 AM
At 9:30 ET, I’ll be arguing in the D.C. Circuit on behalf of @accountableorg.bsky.social in its challenge to the secrecy of OLC opinions.
OLC opinions set the law of the executive branch, but they’re usually kept secret.
Hoping we can change that today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzft...
OLC opinions set the law of the executive branch, but they’re usually kept secret.
Hoping we can change that today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzft...
Reposted by Alex Abdo
📍TODAY at 9:30am ET: @alexabdo.bsky.social will appear before the D.C. Circuit in a lawsuit alleging the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel is violating #FOIA by failing to disclose certain categories of legal opinions that are binding on the executive branch. Livestream: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzft...
www.youtube.com
April 11, 2025 at 11:39 AM
📍TODAY at 9:30am ET: @alexabdo.bsky.social will appear before the D.C. Circuit in a lawsuit alleging the DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel is violating #FOIA by failing to disclose certain categories of legal opinions that are binding on the executive branch. Livestream: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzft...