Free Speech Forum Updates

For Students

Welcome the Free Speech Forum, presented by FIRE. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about attending the event.

Speech bubble containing the words "Free Speech Forum"

Complete the form below for full access to this content.

June 22,2025

This afternoon, a fire alarm was triggered in Letts Hall. All students were promptly and safely evacuated from the building. After a short wait outside, we were cleared to return, and everything has since returned to normal. All students are safe, and there is no cause for concern. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

June 20, 2025

We’re just days away from welcoming students to the FIRE Free Speech Forum at American University, and we can’t wait to kick things off! Please read the following carefully — it includes important updates about the weather, arrival logistics, packing reminders, and expectations for the week ahead.

Heat Alert & Weather Precautions

Washington DC weather forecast for a heatwave the week of June 23-27, 2025

Temperatures in D.C. next week are expected to be very hot. We’ve been monitoring the weather closely and have implemented a number of measures to ensure student safety and comfort throughout the program.

Here’s What We’re Doing:

  • Every camper will receive a refillable water bottle and a hand-held paper fan.
  • Counselors will be equipped with extra fans, sunscreen, cooling towel, and electrolyte drink mix.
  • A nurse will be on-site all week, including during off-campus field trips.
  • All dorm rooms and meeting spaces are air-conditioned.
  • Counselors will remind students regularly to stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.

Adjusted Field Trip Plans:

  • Tuesday – National Zoo:
     We’ll travel by bus instead of the Metro to reduce outdoor exposure, and we’ll depart early in the day. The Zoo has air-conditioned exhibits, misting stations, and keepers ensure animals stay cool with frozen treats and indoor access.
  • Thursday – National Mall:
     We’ll spend much of our time indoors and will make frequent cooling stops throughout the day.

We’ll continue to monitor the forecast and make adjustments if needed.

Shuttle Information

If you signed up for FIRE’s supervised shuttle, please check your email later today for pickup details. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate last-minute shuttle requests or provide transportation for parents.

Contact conference@thefire.org if you have any questions.

Last-Minute Packing Reminders

Haven’t finished packing yet? Be sure to bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Business casual attire for special events
  • Sunscreen and toiletries
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Any personal cooling accessories (handheld fans, cooling towels)

What FIRE Provides:

  • Forum T-shirt and drawstring backpack
  • Water bottle, pen, and notebook
  • Linens: 2 bedsheets, blanket, pillow, pillowcase, bath towel

Arrival Day – Sunday, June 22

  • Check-In Window: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Letts Hall, American University
     4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
  • Parking: Available at the School of International Service

FIRE staff will be on site to assist with check-in and move-in. Parents may help students during check-in but will not be permitted into the dorm room area. Once settled, students will meet their counselors and kick off a full evening of orientation and activities!

Staying in Touch

  • 24/7 Hotline (June 22–28): 320-FSF-HELP (320-373-4357)
     For urgent questions during the Forum.
  • General Inquiries: conference@thefire.org

June 17, 2025

Arrival Day Instructions 

Sunday, June 22
Check-In Window: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Campers should be dropped off at:
Letts Hall
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016

Parking is available at the American University School of International Service (4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)

Map of American University campus

Parents are welcome to assist with check-in, but they will not be permitted to accompany students into the dorms. FIRE staff will be on site starting at 10:00 AM to help students through the check-in and move-in process.

Schedule for Day of Arrival

  • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Registration and Check-In
  • 3:00 – 4:45 PM: Meet Counselors and Cohort
  • 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Forum Orientation & Keynote by Daryl Davis
  • 6:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM: Ice Cream Social & Yard Games
  • 9:00 – 10:00 PM: Wind Down & Shower Time
  • 10:00 PM: Lights Out

June 16, 2025

Program Overview 

Each day at the FIRE Free Speech Forum begins with breakfast around 8:00 AM and ends with lights out by 10:00 PM. The week is packed with inspiring keynotes, engaging workshops, field trips, and evening social activities to create a memorable and meaningful experience.

Keynote Speakers:

  • Daryl Davis – Renowned musician and activist
  • Mary Beth Tinker – Free speech icon and plaintiff in the landmark Tinker v. Des Moines Supreme Court case
  • Justin Amash – Former U.S. Congressman and guest on a live recording of FIRE’s "So to Speak" podcast

Students will explore the fundamentals of the First Amendment and civil discourse through interactive sessions and small-group discussions. Highlights include a Model First Amendment simulation that brings legal concepts to life, as well as breakout sessions on topics such as:

  • Protected vs. unprotected speech
  • Global speech norms
  • Hate speech legislation
  • Free speech and current events

In addition to First Amendment programming, students will attend college and career development workshops focused on writing about experiences for applications, crafting effective interview questions, building mentor relationships, and developing leadership skills.

Outside the classroom, the Forum includes field trips to the Smithsonian National Zoo and the National Mall, as well as evening programming like craft night, game night with FIRE President Greg Lukianoff, and a student talent show.

Preparation & Recommended Reading

We encourage students to arrive with a basic understanding of current national political issues, particularly those related to free speech. To help prepare, students may find the following readings valuable:

June 12, 2025

We’re gearing up to welcome students to American University in just a little over a week and are hard at work making sure the experience is one to remember. Whether you're attending the Forum or helping someone get ready, here’s everything you need to know.

Getting ready to pack?

We’ll provide a Forum T-shirt, drawstring backpack, water bottle, pen, notebook, and linens (two bedsheets, blanket, pillow, pillowcase, and a bath towel) — but here’s what to bring to be fully prepared.

Apparel

  • DC can be warm and humid in June, so pack breathable clothing and check the forecast before traveling.
  • Casual wear for day-to-day
  • Business casual outfits for three special events — like slacks, collared shirts, blouses, dresses, or nice jeans
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Toiletries & Personal Items

  • Essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and sunscreen
  • Optional: extra linens, shower shoes, hand sanitizer, feminine products, and after-sun care

Electronics

  • Phone, laptop or tablet, chargers, and headphones
  • Optional: power bank, extension cord, fan, clip-on desk light

Medications

  • Be sure to pack any personal medications, including over-the-counter or prescription items. FIRE staff will have Tylenol and Advil available if needed, but are not permitted to administer any other medications.

Important Documents

  • ID/passport if needed for travel, and a copy of your health insurance card

Extras

  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Spending money (for snacks or souvenirs) and earplugs or sleep mask if desired

New Hotline Number

Alert! We’ve got a new number for the Forum’s 24/7 hotline: 320-FSF-HELP (320-373-4357).

You can reach us anytime between 9:00 a.m. EDT on June 22 and 2:00 p.m. EDT on June 28 at 320-FSF-HELP for urgent questions or concerns.

For anything non-urgent or if you're reaching out before or after those dates, please email us at conference@thefire.org.

Counselor Training

Recently, Free Speech Forum Counselors gathered in FIRE’s Philadelphia office for a jam-packed two-day training to prepare for camp. They heard from FIRE staff and outside experts on how to create a safe, fun, and educational environment.

Our counselors covered:

  • Camp policies and expectations, including safety guidelines.
  • Interactive activities designed to build friendships and community from day one.
  • Harassment prevention and camper behavior management, including techniques like positive reinforcement, redirection, and conflict resolution strategies.
  • Daily routines, dorm logistics, and meal transitions so everything runs smoothly.
  • How to foster open dialogue, especially during activities and discussions.

We're thrilled with the energy and ideas the counselors are bringing to the table — they’re ready and excited to meet students!

Chief People Officer Cait Scanlan speaks to 2025 Free Speech Forum Counselors in Philadelphia headquarters
Chief People Officer Cait Scanlan speaks to the 2025 cohort of Free Speech Forum counselors in our Philadelphia headquarters.

Know before you go

Everything Free Speech Forum attendees need to know before this year's event.

Student raises hand at FIRE Free Speech Leadership Summit in 2024
Share