Free Speech Leadership Summit

Freedom of speech is a fundamental American freedom and human right. It is essential for democracy, scientific progress, artistic expression, social justice, peace, and our ability to live as authentic individuals. FIRE is always looking for new ways to promote free speech, especially to younger people, and show that it's a value worth fighting for. We believe in the next generation’s potential to advance free speech culture and will do what we can to help them succeed.

FIRE is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit that defends and promotes the value of free speech for all Americans in our courtrooms, on our campuses, and in our culture. Read more about our mission and work here.

We’re also partnering with Junior State of America, a student-led organization that prepares a diverse community of high school students to participate effectively in our democracy.

FIRE’s Free Speech Leadership Summit will provide a best-in-class civics education for students across the United States, including an ambitious curriculum led by legal experts, dynamic skill-building activities, and hands-on projects. Students will leave the summit ready to be leaders who advocate for free speech in their communities and on campuses when they get to college. 

Join the nation’s top students for an immersive civics education. Students will join a cohort and have the opportunity to dive deeper with dedicated tracks:

• Free Speech Law: Students will learn about the First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech, how it has changed over time, and current legal issues surrounding freedom of expression.

• Journalism: Students will learn the role that a free press plays in a well-functioning democracy, and why its protection is enshrined in our Constitution.

• Free Speech History and Philosophy: Students will learn how the concept of free speech has changed over time and the real-world implications of free speech philosophy.

• Making an Impact: Students will learn how to be effective advocates for free speech who make lasting change in their communities.

• Social Media and Entertainment: Students will learn about past and present free speech opportunities and censorship challenges in media.

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the First Amendment and a deep appreciation for civil rights. They will learn leadership and public speaking skills, along with how to effectively engage in debate. 

• 8:30 Cohort meeting

• 9:00 Breakfast

• 10:00 Free speech learning session and activity

• 12:00 Lunch

• 1:00 Tour of Independence Hall

• 3:30 Free time

• 4:30 Keynote speaker 

• 5:00 Hands-on workshop

• 6:00 Dinner

• 7:00 Leadership seminar

• 8:00 Game night

• 10:00 Room check and lights out

• Greg Lukianoff, FIRE President and CEO
• Raul Ruiz, FIRE Litigation Fellow
• Lindsie Rank, FIRE Student Press Counsel
• Connor Murnane, FIRE Director of Engagement and Mobilization
• Zach Greenberg, FIRE Senior Program Officer, Student Organizations, Campus Rights Advocacy
• Amanda Nordstrom, FIRE Program Officer, Campus Rights Advocacy

More speakers to be announced soon!

Discover free speech in the birthplace of democracy. Walk the streets and explore the historic sites where the Founders practiced, defended, and enshrined freedom of speech for all Americans.

• Visit to Independence Hall

• Walking tour of historic Old City Philadelphia

When can I expect to hear back about my application?

• Apply today! We’ll let you know if your application has been approved no later than April 30, the application deadline. 

How much does it cost?

• Registration is free!

How should students get to Temple’s campus?

• Students will be responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Philadelphia, but transportation to and from Temple University via the Philadelphia International Airport or the 30th Street Train Station will be provided free of charge.

Is financial assistance available to help with transportation costs?

• We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships to help students with their travel costs to and from Philadelphia. Students will be notified about the scholarship application process after they are accepted into the program. Apply for a scholarship by March 30.

Are meals included?

• Yes! Meals will be provided for the entire duration of the program.

How much supervision is there?

• In addition to the FIRE faculty, plenty of trained resident advisors will be onsite at all times throughout the week to supervise attendees.

How are roommates selected?

• Students will be roomed with other students of the same gender. We are happy to accommodate roommate requests (all the more reason to invite your friends!), which can be sent to students@thefire.org.

Can a student attend just part of the summit?

• No, students must be able to attend the entirety of the program.

I’m interested but not ready to apply. What should I do?

• Fill out this form to stay up to date on summit news and announcements

How do I ask a question about the summit?

• Email students@thefire.org or call 215-717-FIRE.

Do you have food allergies or intolerances? Our chefs have you covered. True Balance is a station in the dining hall where our dining team prepares delicious dishes from ingredients without the nine most common food allergens — eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, fish, sesame — and gluten.

Our commitment is to allergen-safe service. Our dedicated allergy station is AllerCheck™ approved and earned a Certificate of Achievement from the nation’s leading food allergy experts, MenuTrinfo®, LLC. AllerCheck™ helps you dine with confidence so you can find foods that fit your needs.

Temple University Culinary Services is adept at accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions and food allergies. There are numerous options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and other specialty diets.

Security guards are on duty and check all parts of the campus regularly throughout the day and night. Temple University has access-controlled systems throughout campus and restricted access to academic buildings and residence halls.

Students will have access to care throughout the week with a 24/7 nurse, CPR-certified faculty, and Temple, Penn, and Jefferson Health Systems nearby.

Students will be picked up from and dropped off on Temple’s campus via charter bus for all field trips.

• Josh Haverlock

• Molly Nocheck

• FIRE Undergraduate Interns