Jameel Jaffer is a Canadian human rights and civil liberties attorney, currently serving as the inaugural director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. The Institute is dedicated to defending the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, and public education. Under Jaffer’s leadership, the Knight Institute has tackled critical issues related to online speech, including a landmark lawsuit that successfully challenged President Trump’s practice of blocking critics from his Twitter account.
Before his role at the Knight Institute, Jaffer was the Deputy Legal Director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), where he made significant contributions to civil liberties advocacy. He played a pivotal role in litigating Freedom of Information Act requests that uncovered critical information regarding the torture of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and in CIA black sites. His efforts led to the release of important documents, including interrogation directives and reports detailing the abuses endured by detainees, significantly advancing the public’s understanding of these human rights violations.
Jaffer’s work has been recognized as groundbreaking; *The New York Times* described his lawsuit as “one of the most successful in the history of public disclosure.” His commitment to transparency and accountability has made a profound impact on the fight for civil liberties in the United States and beyond.
Through his tireless advocacy, Jameel Jaffer continues to champion the principles of free expression and human rights, highlighting the importance of these freedoms in an increasingly complex and digital world. His work not only informs public discourse but also empowers individuals and communities to engage in the fight for justice and accountability.