Freedom Forum Releases 2024 “Where America Stands” Survey, Polling Americans’ Knowledge and Attitudes on Key First Amendment Issues

820 Americans share insights on the 2024 election, campus protests, religion in education and social media restrictions. More than 50% say the First Amendment will impact how they vote in November.

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 25, 2024) — Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms for all Americans, today released the 2024 edition of The First Amendment: Where America Stands. Where America Stands is an annual survey that measures what Americans know and think about key issues involving the First Amendment as well as changes in knowledge and attitudes over time.

This year, Freedom Forum partnered with McKee Wallwork to survey 820 Americans in July and August on First Amendment questions related to the 2024 election, campus protests, religion in education, misinformation, social media and more. Notable findings include:

2024 Election

  • More than 50% of Americans say their concerns over the First Amendment will impact how they vote this November.
  • While the First Amendment is on many Americans’ minds as they head to the polls, their attitudes and perceptions of the candidates with respect to First Amendment rights are divided.
    • 49% consider former President Donald Trump to be either “a strong threat” or “somewhat of a threat” to the First Amendment, as compared to 37% who consider Vice President Kamala Harris to be either “a strong threat” or “somewhat of a threat” to their First Amendment freedoms.

Campus Protests

  • Campus protests in 2024 seem to divide Americans’ views on the First Amendment and freedom of assembly across generations:
    • Nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) feel that a peaceful protest is fine, but taking over campus buildings and establishing encampments goes too far. Gen Z participants (50%) disagree with this statement at a significantly lower rate than baby boomers (86%).
    • Six in 10 Americans (61%) agree that college campuses should foster a free exchange of ideas, even if they are offensive to some. This is a decrease from 66% just last year. Gen Z participants continue to agree with this statement at a significantly lower rate (46%) than other generations.

Religion in Public Life

  • Just over half of Americans (54%) say that Christian values should not get more protection than other faiths. About three in 10 (27%) weren’t sure, and 18% said Christian values should be more protected than other faiths.
  • When it comes to displaying the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms — as required by a new law in Louisiana — 29% of Americans say schools should be required to do so while 45% say they should not.

Misinformation and Social Media

  • Americans are divided over how to address election-related deepfake content.
    • One-third would support requiring deepfakes be labeled as such; 29% would support banning election-related deepfake content altogether, and 23% say nothing should be done.
  • Perspectives on social media and the First Amendment divide sharply by generation.
    • Only 29% of Gen Z respondents say governments should have the power to ban individual social media platforms if they believe there is a threat to national security. The percentage of baby boomers who say so is nearly double that (57%).
  • As state and federal laws seek to restrict access to social media — or ban individual platforms outright — about one-half of Americans agree that:
    • People under 16 should be restricted from social media access unless they have parental permission (54%).
    • The government should have the power to ban individual social media platforms if they believe there is a threat to national security (46%).

1A Trends Over Time

  • Historically, the First Amendment has been a national unifier with more than 90% of Americans agreeing it’s vital. However, concerning rifts are growing in the country as appreciation for First Amendment freedoms is increasingly segmented by race, age and class.
    • Older respondents, white respondents, and those with moderate incomes (between $60K and $100K) are all statistically more likely to say that the First Amendment is vital compared to younger respondents, respondents of color, and those with both higher and lower incomes.

“Where America Stands is a barometer on how Americans are feeling about timely First Amendment issues in a polarized country and rapidly changing world. From the TikTok ban and election misinformation to the Ten Commandments in public schools and college protests, understanding and protecting these fundamental freedoms is as relevant today as it was when the Constitution was written,” said Kevin Goldberg, First Amendment specialist at Freedom Forum. “While this year’s survey indicates that an increasing number of Americans believe the First Amendment should not be changed, there is still more work to be done on educating the public on what it guarantees and what is at stake if we don’t defend these freedoms in our daily lives.”

Additional statistics and analysis are available in the Where America Stands survey report.

About Freedom Forum

Established on July 4, 1991, by USA TODAY founder Al Neuharth, Freedom Forum’s mission is to foster First Amendment freedoms for all. Freedom Forum works to raise awareness of First Amendment freedoms by educating, engaging and inspiring people, sharing the stories of Americans who have exercised their rights to ignite change. Freedom Forum is a nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) foundation that advances First Amendment freedoms through initiatives including the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media, the Free Expression Awards, First Amendment reporters, Today’s Front Pages, Where America Stands and 1A Fest.

Contact: [email protected]

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