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This Month in FIRE History: FIRE Introduces 'The Torch'

In February 2005, FIRE proudly introduced our blog, The Torch, as a new way to spread awareness of violations of freedom of speech on campus and to increase public knowledge of the First Amendment. Over the past six years, The Torch has provided a platform for some of FIRE's greatest voices, such as our co-founders Harvey Silverglate and Alan Charles Kors, and for some of our greatest victories, such as the dismantling of the University of Delaware's Orwellian thought reform program and the vindication of Valdosta State University student Hayden Barnes' free speech and due process rights.

In addition, The Torch offers readers in-depth analysis of legal issues, immediate reaction to breaking news, and incisive updates on our latest cases. Most importantly, it is a vital tool in our ongoing effort to shed light on collegiate censorship. As part of our public awareness campaign, Torch features like the Speech Code of the Month have helped ensure the revision of numerous unconstitutional policies on campus. By introducing social media elements like our Twitter button and relaying messages on the blog through video, we have been able to reach even broader audiences and ensure that FIRE's voice extends beyond the confines of our site.

We look forward to continuing to post these features and much more content on our blog. Thanks to all of our readers for your loyal attention to The Torch!

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