Earlier this month WGF grantees and allies launched the Protect the Protest Task Force in response to the accelerating use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) by corporations that seek to silence their critics. SLAPPs are designed to limit the ability of whistleblowers, activists or journalists to exercise their Constitutionally-protected right to freedom of expression.
Protect the Protest launched with events in New York City, San Francisco, and Dallas that cast a spotlight on perpetrators of SLAPP suits, notably Energy Transfer Partners (developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline) and their counsel.
WGF is proud to support this new coalition dedicated to fighting back against SLAPPS. Coalition partners include Greenpeace, Earthrights International, 350.org, Center for Constitutional Rights, Public Citizen and others. The Task Force will help ensure that activists and organizations are well informed about SLAPPs and that they have the resources to protect their right to free speech. This guide and other useful resources are available on the Protect the Protest website.