Higher education should be free from threats to free expression

FIRE is a faculty rights organization that can help you defend your rights on campus because higher education should be a marketplace of ideas. Public college and university faculty who face a threat of sanction by their institution or have been punished for expressive activity — whether it’s instruction, scholarship, or speaking on issues of public concern — can submit matters for FLDF consideration. Our staff will quickly review the matter and, if it falls within FLDF’s mandate, connect the faculty member with one of the experienced nearby lawyers in the FLDF network for assistance. 

SUBMIT CASE TO FIRE'S Faculty LEGAL DEFENSE FUND

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Ilya Shapiro
FIRE is now my favorite organization in America. Its advice and support in those critical first 24-72 hours of the cancellation campaign against me were crucial in the pushback that ultimately allowed me to survive and thrive.

Canceled for a Tweet

Faculty Rights

When Georgetown Law suspended faculty member Ilya Shapiro and launched an investigation into a controversial tweet, FIRE stepped in to defend his free speech and academic freedom rights. Georgetown finally reinstated him on after a 122-day investigation, determining that the law school couldn’t punish him for a tweet he posted before the start of his employment.

Read Ilya's Story

Leverage FIRE resources and tools for your classroom

Communicating the principles and values of our fundamental rights is critical for the future of our country.

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Learn Your Rights!

Curriculum

Knowing your civil liberties is the first step towards taking action for the causes you care about. When you Learn with FIRE, you’ll take courses on a wide range of topics, including free speech and due process, designed by our expert staff. 

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Coastal Carolina University Professor Steven Earnest
"Without the help and leadership of FIRE, I am certain that I would have been forced out of my career of over 25 years." — Coastal Carolina University Professor Steven Earnest

Faculty Need Not Be Afraid to Speak

The Faculty Legal Defense Fund offers “first responder” assistance to protect the expressive and academic freedom rights of faculty at public colleges and universities.

Faculty Legal Defense Fund

Read Steven's Story

Advocate for policies on campus promoting academic freedom and free expression

FIRE provides helpful resources for college faculty members seeking to reform policy on their campus.

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Defending Your Rights

FIRE defends the rights of students and faculty through several core services.

How Does Your School Compare?

Find out how well your school’s policies protect the free speech rights of students and faculty.

Find a School

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FIRE Faculty Webinars

Videos

Learn more about the FIRE Faculty Network and hear from our staff of First Amendment experts by watching our faculty webinar series.

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