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By FIRE Summer Interns Eli Kronenberg, Suhani Mathur, and Matt Rigby.

This June, high school students from across the country assembled in our nation’s capital to offer a glimpse of one of the most important things in America — the future of the First Amendment.

Held at American University in Washington, D.C., ��ݮ��ƵAPP����’s Free Speech Forum mixed big ideas with bigger conversations, bringing together 200 high schoolers to explore, deepen, and celebrate their interest in free speech. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our generous donors, dedicated staff, enthusiastic counselors, and our incredible students, the forum was a resounding success, leaving us with a feeling of immense pride and a renewed belief in the power of young voices to shape the future of free expression.

Throughout the week-long event, students had the opportunity to hear from world-renowned free speech advocates, engage in respectful discussions with their peers on pressing political issues, and explore the capital’s treasure trove of historic landmarks. But as one student remarked, the main highlight was simply “being around others who are also interested in civil discourse!”

The conference kicked off in earnest with a keynote address by musician and activist , who is known for convincing members of the Ku Klux Klan to renounce the group. Davis captivated the audience with his tales of attending KKK rallies as a black man, bringing Klan leaders inside his home for interviews, and even walking one Klansman’s wife down the aisle at her wedding. Through his commitment to civil dialogue, Davis has persuaded dozens of Klan officials to abandon their racist beliefs, and continues to inspire future generations of free speech advocates. 

As one student reflected, “Opening with Daryl Davis made a big impact because it forced us to consider if this man can hear this hateful speech and still believe in free expression, then we should be able to do so as well.”

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Students also had the opportunity to meet former congressman and ��ݮ��ƵAPP���� advisory councilmember Justin Amash during a live taping of ��ݮ��ƵAPP���� Executive Vice President Nico Perrino’s So to Speak podcast. Campers thoughtfully engaged the former representative with questions about his time in office and his future political aspirations. 

Capping off our keynote speakers for the week was Mary Beth Tinker, the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court decision Tinker v. Des Moines (1969). In 1965, Tinker and her brother wore black armbands in protest of the Vietnam War and were subsequently punished under the school’s code of conduct. Tinker’s victory in the Supreme Court paved the way for generations of students to enjoy greater First Amendment rights in the classroom. Tinker gave students an inspiring testimony about advocating for expression and taking an active role in defending causes you believe in. Her legendary story and lifelong dedication to public service was a striking reminder of students’ power to make an impact on a national scale.

During the week, students learned the “dos and don’ts” of productive civil discourse, how to engage with opposing perspectives, the fundamentals of First Amendment case law, and how to connect and network with their peers in ways that foster lifelong personal and professional relationships. Breakout sessions like our model debate tournament gave students the chance to think on their feet and work together to form cohesive arguments about a variety of topics. In the session titled “Protected vs. Unprotected,” students tested their critical thinking skills by analyzing potential real-world speech scenarios and determining their protected status under the First Amendment.

As the week progressed, it became clear that whether it was a lively discussion in the dining hall, a spirited debate on the walk to sessions, or the inquisitive questions posed to our speakers, students were engaged and used each opportunity to learn and mold their own perspectives, all while keeping an open mind and a curious attitude. One student said one of the things that most influenced their view on free speech was the “different debates and conversations we had amongst ourselves — on topics not everyone agreed with.”

In addition, students had the chance to explore their nation’s capital beyond American’s campus, venturing to some of D.C.’s iconic museums and federal buildings. The National Archives, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and Capitol Building each played host to scores of forum attendees, who supplemented their First Amendment education by standing at the sites where America’s enduring commitment to free speech has been cemented.

And in true ��ݮ��ƵAPP���� fashion, students who debated fervently in the classroom still managed to become friends outside of it. We would be remiss not to mention the impromptu piano sing-along during our game night when counselors and campers alike started belting out Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars hits. The Free Speech Forum talent show was no snoozer either, featuring speed cubing, magic tricks, and cohort acapella. The show was capped off with a group of students presenting a new ��ݮ��ƵAPP���� flag representing the forum’s transformative impact on our campers.

“My daughter had an incredible experience,” one parent commented. “She particularly appreciated the chance to connect with other like-minded students from diverse backgrounds.” The parent added, “My daughter left the program feeling more confident in her ability to advocate for causes she cares about and to contribute to open, respectful dialogue.”

It’s no surprise our Saturday dismissal was accompanied by teary goodbyes, the exchanges of contact information, and promises to stay in touch. We as interns hope students take what they learned at the conference to their communities and campuses, advocating for an America in which no one fears the censorious axe of the government, and in which political differences are resolved with mutually respectful discourse.