David Cole is an American civil liberties lawyer and activist known for his work with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He has focused on issues such as free speech, racial justice, and the rights of marginalized communities. Cole has also written extensively on civil rights and has contributed to various publications. In addition to his legal work, Cole is a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, where he teaches constitutional law. He has authored several books, including "Engines of Liberty," which explores the role of grassroots movements in shaping civil rights in the United States.