The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression

Since its founding in 1990, the Center has sought to fulfill its mission through a variety of programs designed to foster greater awareness of, and appreciation for, the role of free speech in a democratic society. The Center has organized dozens of conferences, programs, and presentations on timely First Amendment issues, including one that reunited formal legal adversaries Jerry Falwell and Larry Flynt. The Center also defends the right of free speech in state and federal courts across the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Each year on or near April 13 (the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson) the Center focuses national attention on especially egregious or ridiculous affronts to free expression by awarding “Jefferson Muzzles” to the responsible individuals or organizations.