Arkansas Times Joined in Law Challenge by Friends of First Amendment

USCPR, along with several partners and member groups, is listed among those who have filed requests to support the Arkansas Times‘ challenge of anti-boycott state legislation which aims to silence criticism of Israel.

Among those who’ve filed requests to support our appeal are:

* The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 15 Media Organization. That brief was noted in a Democrat-Gazette article this morning.

* Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection. Its filing, on behalf of two Jewish organizations — T’ruah and J Street —  also argues the law is a First Amendment violation. Their brief notes that while the groups do not support the BDS movement to boycott Israel “they are standing up to protect the First Amendment rights of those who do in order to support a productive public dialogue.”

* The Center for Constitutional Rights, Palestine Legal and the law office of Matthew Strugar. A news release from them said the law violates the First Amendment and is part of a broader effort to suppress speech in support of Palestinian human rights.

* A Jewish Voice for Peace Inc, American Friends Service Committee, Friends of Sabeel North America, Israel Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel and US Palestinian Community Network 

* The Council on American Islamic Relations.

*  Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and Institute for Free Speech

* National Lawyers Guild and Project South

* Professor Lawrence Glickman.