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.
CAIR-Arizona