Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

After a series of tense public comment clashes, Dover, NJ passed a sweeping ordinance banning “offensive” and “abusive” language, giving officials broad power to punish speech they dislike.

The First Amendment protects the right to criticize the government, even harshly, and especially at public meetings.

Dover’s ordinance is vague, overbroad, and viewpoint discriminatory. We’re urging the town to stop treating criticism as disruption and start respecting the First Amendment.

✉️: https://www.fire.org/research-learn/fire-letter-dover-mayor-and-council-may-22-2026