We Join 40+ Arizona Organizations to Urge Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature to Defend Free Speech

On March 18th, 2025, our Executive Committee voted to sign on to CAIR-Arizona's letter urging Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature to take immediate action in defense of free speech. In particular, we are concerned over the suppression of speech and the targeting of individuals advocating for human rights, particularly those speaking in defense of Palestine. You can read the letter below.

Approved by the UCWAZ Executive Committee and released publicly on March 18th, 2025.

We, the undersigned organizations from across Arizona, are writing to urge you to take immediate action to protect the fundamental right to free speech. Recent events, particularly the abduction and detention of Mahmoud Khalil by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have raised grave concerns about the growing suppression of speech and the targeting of individuals advocating for human rights and justice, especially those who speak in defense of Palestine.

This alarming rhetoric against free speech is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader, dangerous trend. Today, it is human rights advocates for Palestine who are under attack. Tomorrow, it could be those fighting for Black Lives Matter, migrant rights, religious rights, environmental justice, or any marginalized group whose message does not conform to a specific political or ideological standard. History has shown us that when the rights of one group are compromised, the rights of all are at risk. If these tactics are allowed to succeed, no movement or individual will be safe from repression. This is a critical moment for us all to stand firm in defense of the core values upon which our country was founded.

We are deeply concerned that the erosion of free speech, under the guise of national security or political expediency, sets a dangerous precedent that could chill advocacy, activism, and political dissent across the nation. Such actions undermine the rights of all citizens to voice their beliefs, challenge injustices, and engage in civil discourse.

Now, more than ever, it is essential that we come together to protect free speech, regardless of political or ideological differences. We call on you to take a stand and ensure that Arizona remains a place where free expression is safeguarded, where diverse voices are heard, and where human rights are protected for everyone.

Please act to uphold the values of liberty and justice that make this country a beacon of hope for the world. We ask you to stand with us in defending free speech and the rights of all individuals to express themselves without fear of retribution.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response and to your commitment to protecting free speech and human rights for all Arizonans.

Sincerely, 

Organizations:

ACLU of Arizona

Animal Healthcare Workers Against Genocide

Arizona Students’ Association

Arizona Democracy Resource Center

Arizona Education Association

Arizona Green Party

Arizona Palestine Network

Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance

AZ AANHPI for Equity

Better Ballot AZ

CAIR-AZ

Creosote Partners

Chispa Arizona

Civic Engagement Beyond Voting

Common Defense

Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim

Education Action Alliance

For All

Fuerte Arts Movement

Indivisible Arizona 

Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA)

Mass Liberation Arizona 

Mi Familia Vota

One Arizona

Our Voice Our Vote Arizona AZ 

Palestinian American Community Center

Palestine Community Center of Arizona

Phoenix DSA

Phoenix Legal Action Network

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona

Poder in Action

Progress Arizona

Rural Arizona Engagement 

Students for Justice in Palestine @ ASU

Tomorrow We Vote Action

United Campus Workers of Arizona

Voter Choice Arizona 

Wingbeat 88

Worker Power

You can read more about CAIR-Arizona by clicking the button below.