Top 5 Reasons to Attend the 2012 CFN Conference

FIRE's annual CFN conference—happening this year July 27-29, just outside of Philadelphia—unites student advocates for free speech from across the country. Attendees learn from distinguished First Amendment scholars, fellow student activists, and FIRE staff about the philosophical and legal arguments for student rights on campus. I went to my first CFN conference as a FIRE intern in 2008, and it is truly a fantastic experience. The 2012 CFN Conference is fast approaching and I think all interested students should apply, but don't just take my word for it. Here are the top 5 reasons to attend the CFN conference, according to past student attendees:

5. "The speakers are absolutely fantastic. Never have I had such a good time listening to really intelligent and informed people speak about important issues so well."

4. "The conference provides a fast paced intro to student rights and motivational cases to inspire ...

Jaclyn Hall | Friday, 11 May 2012

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James Madison Student Praises 'Vibrant' Free Speech Wall

Last month, I wrote a Torch post highlighting student activism that took place on campuses across the country during Free Speech Week, April 1-8. For one of the most popular demonstrations, many student groups built free speech walls to provide an open forum for student expression. Students constructed temporary walls out of cardboard or wood, or covered building walls with paper, and provided markers for fellow students to write, draw, or post anything they wanted.

Student group Madison Liberty at James Madison University (JMU) decided to host a wall, and I recently came across a blog post about their experience that I want to share. Luke Wachob, a student in the group, ...

Jaclyn Hall | Friday, 11 May 2012

April Student Spotlight: Christe Thompson '14, Drexel University

Each month, the CFN Student Spotlight features a student member who is working to promote individual rights on his or her campus. For April, I am pleased to announce that our featured student is Christe Thompson ‘14 of Drexel University. A third-year student at Drexel, Christe began working at FIRE through her school's co-op program during her sophomore year. Using the lessons about free speech that she's learned at FIRE, Christe has been lobbying administrators to get rid of Drexel's restrictive speech codes.

Read Christe's story at our Student Spotlight page, and keep checking The Torch to hear more about CFN students' ...

Jaclyn Hall | Monday, 16 April 2012

'Free Speech Week' Celebrated on Campuses Nationwide

FIRE celebrated Free Speech Week last week by teaming up with Students For Liberty to send FIRE speakers and materials to student groups across the country. We're pleased to announce it was a great ...

Jaclyn Hall | Friday, 13 April 2012