Democracy and the rule of law are confronting serious challenges in the United States. Deepening political polarization and the practice of partisan gerrymandering have fueled distrust in electoral processes. At the same time, growing partisan divisions have also weakened Americans’ confidence in the judiciary. The system of checks and balances—essential for upholding the rule of law—faces mounting strain.
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression is under attack in public education in the United States. Since 2021, the US has seen a wave of state legislation and policies aimed at restricting teaching in schools as well as in higher education about topics such as race, slavery, and LGBTQ+ identities. In addition, book bans in public K-12 schools targeting books on race/racism or LGBTQ+ identities have been proliferating across the country. Educational censorship laws and policies have created an atmosphere of discrimination and fear that especially harms Black and LGBTQ+ people, and limits students’ ability to access vital information about race, history, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
