From FBI Whistleblowers to Defunding Planned Parenthood—and Everything in Between: A Year of Victories

Townhall 

As we close out 2025, we want to look back on what was a landmark year for defending life, religious liberty, parental rights, and free speech at the ACLJ.

Our legal team’s workload ramped up significantly this year, and this was only possible because of supporters like you.

•  220 pro-life legal contacts and cases, including defunding abortion and defending pro-life advocates
• 306 free speech matters
• 104 international matters, including defending persecuted Christians and Israel
• 276 school contacts and cases protecting the rights of students, parents, and teachers
• 192 government matters battling corruption and the Deep State

Below is a wrap-up of some of our biggest cases in 2025. Each case reflects decisive legal action that made a difference by protecting life, religious liberty, and constitutional rights.

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ACLJ Helps Secure Ruling Upholding Law To Defund Planned Parenthood

This was a devastating setback for abortion giant Planned Parenthood – and a landmark victory for the sanctity of life. The First Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed that Congress has the constitutional authority to redirect Medicaid funding away from the nation’s largest abortion provider and its affiliates. The ACLJ filed four pivotal amicus briefs in this case, advancing our relentless legal fight to stop taxpayer dollars from propping up the abortion industry.

We have filed a total of seven amicus briefs to defund the abortion industry from taxpayer funding in a robust legal undertaking to save the lives of babies. As these cases continue on appeal, we will continue to defend life.

Complete Vindication: FBI Whistleblower Garret O’Boyle Wins Major Settlement

It was a major victory for constitutional rights and government whistleblowers. The ACLJ secured a complete vindication for FBI Special Agent Garret O’Boyle, who was fully restored through a comprehensive settlement with the DOJ. After years of battling the Biden FBI and DOJ, justice was finally served for this brave hero. The agreement provides back pay, benefits, damages, and full reinstatement – including his security clearance – ending years of persecution under the Biden Administration.

Pentagon, Secretary Hegseth, Apologizes to ACLJ Client Over “Terrorist Group” Label

After Army training under President Biden at Fort Bragg falsely labeled pro-life Americans – and ACLJ client Operation Rescue – as “terrorist groups,” the ACLJ took action. Following months of advocacy, President Trump’s new military leadership condemned the training, acknowledged the harm, issued an apology, and assured it will not be repeated, correcting what the Biden Administration refused to address.

Hawaii Drops Punishment of Teacher After ACLJ Action

A Hawaii teacher was disciplined for allowing a Constitution Day discussion involving political figures – such as Charlie Kirk and President Trump. The ACLJ intervened, explaining that such punishment violated core free speech principles. The Hawaii Department of Education fully rescinded the disciplinary action and cleared the teacher’s record. This case reinforced the importance of open discussion in classrooms and protection for lawful speech.

Surviving Israeli Hostages – Including Two More ACLJ Clients – Released by Hamas

After more than two brutal years in captivity – marked by sustained abuse and assault – the last surviving Israeli hostages violently seized during the October 7 terror attack have finally been brought home. Among those rescued were ACLJ clients Gali and Ziv Berman, whose return is a testament to perseverance in the face of unspeakable cruelty.

Related: Jewish Parent Wins Free Speech Battle.

ACLJ Defends Employee’s Right To Keep Bible at Work

A New York county attempted to force a public employee to remove his Bible from his desk, claiming it violated workplace policy. After ACLJ intervention, the county reversed course and acknowledged the employee’s First Amendment rights. This victory reaffirmed that public employees do not surrender their religious freedoms simply because they work for the government. The case sends a clear message that government hostility toward faith has no place in public workplaces.

Related: LA County Reverses Unconstitutional Beach Worship Policy.

Supreme Court Victory in Mahmoud v. Taylor

In a landmark Supreme Court ruling, parental rights received a major boost when the Court held that government schools cannot burden families by imposing ideological instruction that conflicts with religious beliefs. The ACLJ filed an amicus brief defending parental authority and Free Exercise rights. This decision strengthened constitutional protections for parents nationwide and set an important precedent limiting government overreach in education.

School District Reverses “Pay To Pray” Scheme

A public school district unlawfully required a student Christian group to pay fees to meet and pray. After the ACLJ sent a demand letter citing violations of the Equal Access Act and the First Amendment, the district reversed its policy. Students were granted equal access to facilities without charge. This victory reaffirmed that schools may not single out religious activity for discriminatory treatment.

Related: School Reverses Course After Illegally Banning Student-Led Jesus Club

ACLJ Defends Pro-Life Advocates Attacked at Supreme Court

Following a major Supreme Court decision, peaceful pro-life advocates were assaulted and wrongfully detained while celebrating outside the Court. The ACLJ intervened immediately, securing releases and getting the charges dropped. This case highlights the growing hostility toward pro-life speech and the importance of rapid legal defense to protect constitutional rights.

Related: Charges Dropped for Pro-Lifer Unconstitutionally Charged.

Looking ahead, 2026 already promises monumental battles. In January alone, we face a Missouri trial challenging Planned Parenthood’s attacks on pro-life laws, oral arguments in federal appeals defending a teacher’s right to pray, and oral arguments protecting pro-life centers from Massachusetts’ state-sponsored attacks. On top of that, we have filings in two cases at the U.S. Supreme Court – and this is just the start.

But no matter what the coming year brings, we will not flinch. We will face every challenge head-on – clear-eyed, prepared, and resolute – because the principles at stake are too important to abandon and the cost of silence is too high.