The Trump administration’s Ninth Circuit appeal of The Stanford Daily’s free speech lawsuit victory is now on an expedited timeline. The case is projected to be briefed and argued faster than a typical Ninth Circuit appeal.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) requested an expedited appeal process last week, which was quickly agreed upon by The Daily’s representation, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Without expedition, the oral argument on the appeal could have taken place nine months to a year after filing.
The expedited timeline now places the oral argument roughly three to six months in the future.
The Daily filed the initial lawsuit in August 2025 after the Trump administration used the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to threaten and revoke the visas of international students at multiple universities who engaged in pro-Palestinian speech.
The lawsuit alleged that the administration’s actions chilled student voices and discouraged international students from interacting with The Daily.
District Judge Noël Wise previously ruled the INA provisions used by the federal government unconstitutional in a 90-page decision. The decision, which the DOJ appealed last week, currently only has jurisdiction within the Northern District of California.
With the appeal, the Ninth Circuit will weigh whether the ruling should be overturned or expanded to the entirety of nine states and two territories, including California.
Editor-in-Chief of The Daily George Porteous ’27 holds a positive view of the expedition.
“We see this case as an important one that should move quickly through the courts,” Porteous said. “Our lawyers are fully prepared to defend Judge Wise’s ruling.” The Daily is being represented pro bono by FIRE.
According to the modified schedule, the opening and amicus briefs in support of the DOJ must be submitted before the end of the year. All briefs required to begin oral argument are due before the end of January, according to the court’s official order.
“The appeal creates an opportunity for this ruling to protect international students in a broader area,” Porteous said.