First Amendment Institute

Information In the First Amendment Institute, a faculty of experts work with a select group of applicants to study the importance of our First Amendment. Participants explore the history and philosophical concepts protected by the First Amendment and how they relate to current issues. Graduates of the program take the lead protecting our First Amendment freedoms as well as the right to access public information for future generations.

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Faculty
(Click Here for more information on the faculty members.)

The FAI faculty are selected for their national reputations as topic experts in First Amendment issues. All are veteran First Amendment teachers and scholars, and each is selected for their expertise in a precise area of the curriculum. The FAI faculty represent leading legal practices, law schools and journalism schools from across the nation, and represent more than 200 years of teaching experience.

Participation

Participation is made available for all who apply for the program: however, the number of participants each year is limited. Participants have included citizens from a broad spectrum of interests including legal, broadcast and print media, public relations, academic, government, business and concerned citizens. Applications may be submitted by individuals or sponsoring organizations.

The First Amendment Institute meets for one week in the summer, with daily class sessions devoted to the concentrated study of the freedoms granted in the First Amendment:  speech, press, religion, assembly and petition.

Upon completion of the program, graduates may become members of the First Amendment Institute's alumni group, which provides continuing education, networking and support.

Curriculum

Participants work with a faculty of First Amendment experts in the areas of law, journalism, civics and religion in order to explore the history, philosophy, application and future of the First Amendment and why it is important to our Freedom today. While lectures and selected text readings are a part of the experience, guided discussion and interaction play a vital part in the sessions as well. Participants will receive curriculum materials featuring selected faculty writings.

Cost

The First Amendment Institute is an annual program of the FOIFT, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation supported through grants and tax-deductible donations from private citizens corporations and foundations. Institute tuition requires an investment from the participants or their sponsors of $1,500. A limited amount of scholarship money is available. Please contact the FOIFT office for more information.

If you are interested in becoming a leader in the democratic process with a greater understanding of our First Amendment rights, please e-mail FOIFT or call 512.377.1575.

Support the FOIFT today!