‘Freedom in Academia’ Essay Contest Deadline Approaching

by Brandon Stewart

November 11, 2008

Earlier this year, FIRE announced its first-ever "Freedom in Academia" essay contest for high school seniors who plan to attend college in fall 2009. Throughout the fall, we have seen entries from talented student writers pour in from around the country. Our essay contest is an excellent opportunity for any college-bound high school senior. Participating students will familiarize themselves with core FIRE issues such as freedom of speech, legal equality, due process, religious liberty, and sanctity of conscience and gain a more thorough understanding of which colleges FIRE has deemed the worst offenders against liberty on campus. In addition, they will also have the opportunity to win money for college. In fact, the first place winner of FIRE's essay contest will win a $5,000 college scholarship. The second place winner will earn a $2,500 scholarship.

Although the contest is nearing an end, there is still time for students to submit their essays. The deadline for all entries is November 20, 2008; the winner will be announced on December 19, 2008. Students are asked to watch two short videos about real students who were censored and punished for speech that is protected by the U.S. Constitution. Submitted essays should be between 700–1200 words and should address how the universities in the videos betrayed their purpose as a "marketplace of ideas" and violated the First Amendment freedoms of their students.

Essays should be submitted via e-mail to scholarships@thefire.org, through our online form, or via snail mail to:

FIRE
Attn: Essay Scholarship Contest
601 Walnut Street, Suite 510
Philadelphia, PA 19106

If you are a high school senior, please read the contest rules and submit an essay—and pass this on to others who might be interested!