Criticisms of ACLU – Criticism of the ACLU includes accusations that it has retreated from its commitment to free speech by not defending all speakers equally, particularly those with unpopular views or those whose speech is seen as harmful to marginalized groups. Other criticisms include a perceived shift from pure civil libertarian advocacy toward more political and “culture war” stances, and specific legal challenges, such as those against Title IX regulations on sexual harassment, which some argue compromise due process rights for the accused. Conversely, some critics, including those on the left, have historically criticized the ACLU for defending unpopular groups like neo-Nazis, while

Criticisms of ACLU –
Criticism of the ACLU includes accusations that it has retreated from its commitment to free speech by not defending all speakers equally, particularly those with unpopular views or those whose speech is seen as harmful to marginalized groups. Other criticisms include a perceived shift from pure civil libertarian advocacy toward more political and “culture war” stances, and specific legal challenges, such as those against Title IX regulations on sexual harassment, which some argue compromise due process rights for the accused. Conversely, some critics, including those on the left, have historically criticized the ACLU for defending unpopular groups like neo-Nazis, while others criticize its current actions.  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
Free speech and advocacy

Selective defense: Critics argue the ACLU has become selective in defending free speech, notably by sometimes refusing to defend speakers who denigrate marginalized groups, which is seen by some as a retreat from its core principles. [1, 2, 3, 5]
Internal tensions: The organization faces internal tensions over whether its increasing focus on political advocacy has come at the expense of its historical, unwavering devotion to the First Amendment. [7, 9]
“Culture war” issues: Some critics contend the ACLU has drifted from non-partisan civil liberties work into “culture war” politics. [7]
Historical criticism: Historically, some on the left have criticized the ACLU for defending the free speech rights of groups like neo-Nazis, while others, including some former leaders, argue the organization has become too politically driven and has abandoned its commitment to First Amendment principles. [2, 8]

Due process

Title IX lawsuit: The ACLU has been criticized for its lawsuit against new Title IX regulations, which challenged provisions related to off-campus conduct and the handling of sexual harassment complaints, leading some to accuse it of undermining due process rights for the accused. [5, 6]

Other criticisms

Power and funding: Some critics argue the ACLU has become a powerful, well-funded progressive group that uses the courts to push a political agenda, with some even proposing ways to curb its power. [9, 10]
Historical examples: Criticisms include past instances where the ACLU declined to defend certain individuals or opposed legislation that could be seen as limiting free speech, although its defenders point to its unwavering commitment to principle in other controversial cases. [2, 5, 8]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1]  firstamendment.mtsu.edu/arti…
[2]  nymag.com/intelligencer/arti…
[3]  firstamendmentwatch.org/the-…
[4]  thefire.org/news/blogs/ronal…
[5]  heritage.org/the-constitutio…
[6]  aclu.org/news/womens-rights/…
[7]  reason.com/2022/06/20/the-ac…
[8]  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americ…
[9]  nytimes.com/2021/06/06/us/ac…
[10]  votesmart.org/public-stateme…

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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Nov 19, 2025