Defending free speech since 1999
History
Since its founding, FIRE has assisted students and faculty in vindicating their rights to free speech and academic freedom.
FIRE Fights For Your Rights
Since its founding more than two decades ago as the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, FIRE has become the nation’s leading defender of fundamental rights on college campuses through our unique mix of programming, including student and faculty outreach, public education campaigns, individual case advocacy, and policy reform efforts. In 2022, FIRE changed its name to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and announced an expansion initiative into off-campus free speech advocacy and legal defense.
What We Do
FIRE defends and promotes the value of free speech for all Americans in our courtrooms, on our campuses, and in our culture.
FIRE’s Internship Program gave me the opportunity not only to learn more about the First Amendment and its role on college and university campuses but it also allowed me to grow professionally, preparing me for future work experiences.
Join FIRE's Team
In 2019, Kenyon College student Elizabeth Stanley joined FIRE as a summer intern, and after graduating in 2021 she joined FIRE as a program associate. FIRE kindles a collaborative, inclusive, fast-paced workplace culture that has helped us achieve our goals for more than 20 years. Plus, we have phenomenal perks!
Meet Our People
FIRE is a mission-driven organization of hardworking, dedicated team members committed to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought.
Defending Your Rights
FIRE defends and sustains the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the essential qualities of liberty — and carries out this mission through several core services.
Legal Support
In the Courts
Facing censorship or retaliation for protected speech? FIRE lawyers are here to help you when your free speech rights are violated.
Individual Rights Advocacy
Helping You
FIRE’s signature, core defense program provides free, non-legal assistance to individuals whose fundamental civil liberties are violated, with a special focus on college students, professors, student media, and campus groups.
College Policy Reform
Changing Higher Ed
FIRE’s College Policy Reform team works to proactively and systematically challenge campus policies that violate the free speech rights of students and faculty.
Legislative Policy Reform
Changing Laws
FIRE defends your individual rights at both the state and federal level by advocating on behalf of rights-protective legislation and against proposed laws that would abridge those rights.
The City of Alpharetta stomped on my right to freedom of speech and they would have gotten away with it if not for FIRE. FIRE taught Alpharetta that everyone has the right to free speech, including people who are poor or homeless.
FIRE Has Your Back
Our Impact
Police arrested veteran Jeff Gray for peacefully holding a sign to raise awareness of homeless vets. FIRE filed three lawsuits on his behalf to vindicate his constitutional rights and won them all!
Host a FIRE Speaker
Hosting a FIRE speaker is a great way to catalyze social change by educating members of your community about the importance of free speech, due process, and religious liberty.
Transparency and Compliance
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