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College Students: Apply to FIRE’s Summer Internship Program!

FIRE interns in front of Independence Hall

I spent the summer of 2011 researching higher education policy and First Amendment law, attending educational seminars with civil rights experts, and eating Philly cheesesteaks. If those activities appeal to you, I highly encourage you to apply to FIRE’s Summer Internship Program. I did, and it was one of the best professional and personal decisions I have made.

Why?

FIRE interns do substantive work. The summer of 2011 was a busy time, as the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education had just published its “Dear Colleague” letter in April. The letter informed schools that they were required to use a “preponderance of the evidence” standard in adjudications of sexual assault, a very low standard of evidence for such a heinous charge. FIRE wanted to know which standard colleges were using prior to the publication of the letter, so my fellow interns and I spent part of the summer researching campus policies at our nation’s top colleges and universities. Our research was published in a FIRE report. The professional experience I gained at FIRE was instrumental in helping me land the job I have now.

FIRE interns learn. Each week, FIRE interns met with a First Amendment expert to discuss the moral, legal, and educational foundations of freedom of speech. It was a great pleasure to participate in philosophical discussions of John Stuart Mill, historical analysis of Berkeley’s Free Speech Movement, and more with people who have made civil rights their life’s work.

FIRE interns have fun. We went to Phillies games, explored historic downtown Philadelphia, enjoyed social functions with FIRE staff, and sought out the best street food in the city.

FIRE interns get paid. The eight-week program includes a $2,800 stipend.

The deadline to apply is March 13, 2015. See you in Philly.

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