2025-10-29T17:04:31-05:00 2025-06-30 410746749 CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP 150 S WARNER ROAD SUITE 310 KING OF PRUSSIA PA 19406 990 2024-07-01 043467254 FOUNDATION FOR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND EXPRESSION INC FOUN 2157173473 510 WALNUT STREET 900 PHILADELPHIA PA 19106 GREGORY LUKIANOFF PRESIDENT AND CEO 2157173473 2025-10-28 1 0 WILLIAM A LOUGHERY P01603932 2156433900 2025-10-28 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z GREGORY LUKIANOFF 510 WALNUT STREET 900 PHILADELPHIA PA 19106 61946167 0 1 X HTTP://THEFIRE.ORG/ X 1999 MA FIRE DEFENDS FREE SPEECH IN COURT, ON CAMPUS, AND IN OUR CULTURE. 11 11 162 17 1134 0 32251288 36482507 81306 535440 1049430 2927609 42310 71207 33424334 40016763 468100 665615 0 0 15071641 17997846 0 0 3243989 12451397 11072114 27991138 29735575 5433196 10281188 63265155 74097710 10036913 9637453 53228242 64460257 X THE FOUNDATION FOR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND EXPRESSION'S (FIRE'S) MISSION IS TO DEFEND AND SUSTAIN THE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF ALL AMERICANS TO FREE SPEECH AND FREE THOUGHT-THE MOST ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF LIBERTY.(CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)FIRE EDUCATES AMERICANS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE INALIENABLE RIGHTS, PROMOTES A CULTURE OF RESPECT FOR THESE RIGHTS, AND PROVIDES THE MEANS TO PRESERVE THEM. FIRE RECOGNIZES THAT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN PRESERVING FREE THOUGHT WITHIN A FREE SOCIETY. TO THIS END, WE PLACE A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON DEFENDING THE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY MEMBERS ON OUR NATION'S CAMPUSES, INCLUDING FREEDOM OF SPEECH, FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION, DUE PROCESS, LEGAL EQUALITY, RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, AND SANCTITY OF CONSCIENCE. 0 1 6343916 1593 3700 PUBLIC AWARENESS: FIRE EXECUTES BROAD COMMUNICATIONS EFFORTS TO GENERATE AWARENESS OF FREE SPEECH ISSUES. WE SEEK TO REACH MILLIONS OF AMERICANS BY GETTING OUR CASES AND COMMENTARY IN PRINT, PLACING OP-EDS, AND COORDINATING MEDIA APPEARANCES; PRODUCING CREATIVE AND COMPELLING CONTENT FOR OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS THAT IS EASILY DIGESTIBLE AND SHAREABLE; AND MAINTAINING A ROBUST PUBLICATIONS PROGRAM TO GET OUR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP IN FRONT OF THE EXPERTS THAT NEED TO SEE IT IN SCHOLARLY ARTICLES, ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS, BOOKS, AND MORE. IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, FIRE RECEIVED 19,089 MEDIA MENTIONS; OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT RECEIVED 1.6 MILLION LIKES, COMMENTS, AND SHARES; AND OUR VIDEOS RECEIVED 10.4 MILLION VIEWS. OUR WEBSITE RECEIVED 4.7 MILLION VIEWS. 4144884 1296 459550 FIRE LITIGATION: FIRE STRATEGICALLY LITIGATES IN COURTS NATIONWIDE TO VINDICATE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS. IN SERVICE OF OUR EXPANDED MISSION TO DEFEND FREE SPEECH BOTH ON AND OFF CAMPUS, OUR LITIGATION PROGRAM IS GROWING INTO A PREMIER PUBLIC-INTEREST LAW FIRM FOR FREE EXPRESSION. FIRE ATTORNEYS REVIEW EACH AND EVERY CASE SUBMISSION WE RECEIVE AND ALSO PROACTIVELY SEEK OUT LEGAL CHALLENGES WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SECURE LASTING LEGAL PRECEDENTS, MAJOR PUBLIC-POLICY REFORM, OR CLEAR CULTURAL IMPACT. SINCE FIRE BEGAN LITIGATING IN 2014, FIRE'S LITIGATION PROGRAM HAS SECURED 42 VICTORIES AND NEARLY $4 MILLION IN DAMAGES AND FEES. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O.) 3086891 500032 52300 RESEARCH: FIRE'S RESEARCH TEAM GATHERS SIGNIFICANT DATA ON THE NATION'S CLIMATE FOR FREE EXPRESSION SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE CONCRETE EVIDENCE OF AMERICA'S FREE SPEECH CRISIS AND ARM ADVOCATES WITH TOOLS THEY CAN USE TO FIGHT CENSORSHIPS. THESE EFFORTS INCLUDE OUR FREE SPEECH INDEX, A QUARTERLY SURVEY ON NATIONAL ATTITUDES TOWARD FREE SPEECH, AND ANNUAL COLLEGE FREE SPEECH RANKINGS, THE NATION'S MOST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE CAMPUS CLIMATE FOR FREE EXPRESSION. 2844709 142924 0 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: FIRE'S STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM INITIATES, CULTIVATES, AND MAINTAINS RELATIONSHIPS WITH FIRE'S GROWING LIST OF ALLIES. THROUGH THESE EFFORTS, WE MONITOR AND MAINTAIN OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE OUR WORK BY COLLABORATING WITH A WIDE RANGE OF PARTNERS. 2636541 879 12492 CAMPUS RIGHTS ADVOCACY (CRA): FIRE CONTINUES TO PLACE A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON DEFENDING THE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY MEMBERS ON CAMPUS, AND OUR CRA PROGRAM LEADS THESE EFFORTS. OUR EXPERT STAFF REVIEWS EVERY CASE SUBMISSION AND TAKES ACTION BY INTERVENING DIRECTLY WITH ADMINISTRATORS; USING FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) REQUESTS OR THREATS TO SCHOOLS' ACCREDITATION; APPLYING PUBLIC PRESSURE TO SCHOOLS TO REVERSE RIGHTS VIOLATIONS; AND WORKING WITH STUDENTS AND FACULTY WITH OTHER MEANS OF CREATIVE ADVOCACY. IN THE 2024-25 FISCAL YEAR, FIRE'S CRA TEAM SECURED 82 VICTORIES. 1580594 510 1000 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY: FIRE'S LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY TEAM WORKS AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS TO ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF FREE SPEECH-FRIENDLY LEGISLATION AND AGAINST PROPOSED LAWS THAT WOULD RESTRICT SPEECH. THE TEAM PROPOSES MODEL LEGISLATION, TESTIFIES BEFORE STATE AND FEDERAL BODIES, MEETS WITH POLICYMAKERS TO PROVIDE LEGISLATIVE ANALYSIS, AND ISSUES PUBLIC COMMENTARY. IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, THEY SECURED 20 LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES IN 11 STATES, SHORING UP CAMPUS DUE PROCESS RIGHTS, DEFEATING RESTRICTIONS ON ONLINE EXPRESSION, AND MORE. 970629 334 1750 PUBLIC ADVOCACY: FIRE'S PUBLIC ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT ENGAGES IN NON-LITIGATION ADVOCACY TO DEFEND AND PROMOTE EXPRESSIVE RIGHTS AND A STRONG CULTURE OF FREE EXPRESSION. OUR EXPERT STAFF REVIEWS EVERY CASE SUBMISSION AND TAKES ACTION BY INTERVENING DIRECTLY WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, WHILE ENGAGING IN CREATIVE ADVOCACY SUCH AS EMAIL-WRITING CAMPAIGNS AND PETITIONS THAT APPLY PUBLIC PRESSURE TO BAD ACTORS TO REVERSE RIGHTS VIOLATIONS. IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, THE PUBLIC ADVOCACY TEAM SECURED 17 VICTORIES. 913085 12717 1648 ENGAGEMENT & MOBILIZATION: FIRE'S ENGAGEMENT AND MOBILIZATION TEAM IS RAPIDLY BECOMING THE "HOME BASE" FOR AMERICA'S FREE SPEECH CONSTITUENCY, GIVING THEM THE COMMUNITY, THE KNOWLEDGE, AND THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO PROMOTE A CULTURE OF FREEEXPRESSION. 840622 289 3000 POLICY REFORM PROJECT: OUR POLICY REFORM TEAM PROACTIVELY AND SYSTEMATICALLY DOCUMENTS AND EXPOSES CAMPUS POLICIES THAT VIOLATE COLLEGE STUDENTS' FREE SPEECH RIGHTS. THE CENTERPIECE OF THEIR WORK IS MAINTAINING FIRE'S SPOTLIGHT DATABASE, WHICH CATALOGS RESTRICTIONS ON FREE SPEECH ON OVER 475 CAMPUSES NATIONWIDE. THE TEAM ALSO WORKS TO REFORM POLICIES BY WRITING LETTERS, MEETING WITH ADMINISTRATORS, COORDINATING WITH CAMPUS CONSTITUENTS SUCH AS ALUMNI OR FACULTY, AND PROVIDING POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS. IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25, THE POLICY REFORM TEAM REFORMED 43 POLICIES ON 29 CAMPUSES, IMPACTING OVER 630,000 STUDENTS. 285892 5041 0 FACULTY OUTREACH: THE FIRE FACULTY NETWORK CONDUCTS OUTREACH TO COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY FACULTY, CONNECTING THEM WITH A NETWORK THAT WILL GIVE THEM THE KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES NEEDED TO PROMOTE ACADEMIC FREEDOM ON THEIR CAMPUSES. 0 0 0 FIRE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT: FIRE'S STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS EDUCATE AND EMPOWER HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND LAW STUDENTS TO DEFEND FREE SPEECH THROUGH STUDENT CONFERENCES, INTERNSHIPS, AND LEGAL FELLOWSHIPS. THESE PROGRAMS ARE ALSO HELPING FIRE BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION OF TALENTED FREE SPEECH LEADERS, MANY OF WHOM GO ON TO WORK WITH US. IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025, FIRE HOSTED 30 INTERNS AND 13 LEGAL FELLOWS AND CLERKS. 10072072 162694 19890 23647763 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 140 0 162 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 11 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 AL AR CA FL GA HI IL KS KY MA MD MI MN MS ND NH NJ NM NY OR PA RI SC TN UT VA WV WI X X GAIL LUCAS CPA MBA 2157173473 510 WALNUT STREET SUITE 900 PHILADELPHIA PA 19106 KURT JAGGERS CHAIR AS OF NOV 2024 1.00 X X 0 0 0 JACK HENNEMAN VICE CHAIR 1.00 X X 0 0 0 SANDY LEONG SECRETARY AS OF NOV 2024 1.00 X X 0 0 0 KMELE FOSTER TREASURER 1.00 X X 0 0 0 HARVEY SILVERGLATE CO-FOUNDER 1.00 X X 0 0 0 SAMUEL J ABRAMS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN ELLIS DIRECTOR AS OF NOV 2024 1.00 X 0 0 0 ALLISON HAYWARD DIRECTOR AS OF MAR 2025 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOSEPH MALINE DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 VIRGINIA POSTREL DIRECTOR AS OF NOV 2024 1.00 X 0 0 0 KEITH WHITTINGTON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 GREGORY LUKIANOFF PRESIDENT AND CEO 40.00 X 621657 0 45399 ALISHA GLENNON CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 40.00 X 401607 0 45887 WILLIAM CREELEY LEGAL DIRECTOR 40.00 X 367557 0 43187 RONALD LONDON GENERAL COUNSEL 40.00 X 299429 0 40193 NICHOLAS PERRINO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT 40.00 X 279251 0 39402 BOB CORN REVERE CHIEF COUNSEL 40.00 X 400432 0 40129 DARPANA SHETH VP OF LITIGATION THROUGH NOV 2024 40.00 X 248997 0 38187 MATT HARWOOD VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNIC 40.00 X 189103 0 34083 BRIDGET GLACKIN CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 40.00 X 185916 0 33064 SULEYMAN GOKYIGIT CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER 40.00 X 188272 0 7868 3182221 0 367399 47 0 1 0 NODEHAUS MEDIA LLC 921 36TH STREET SW SUITE 109 WILLIAMSTOWN MA 01267 ADVERTISING SERVICES 146497 1 36482507 1396087 36482507 LITIGATION SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS 900099 444323 444323 SPEAKER FEES 900099 91117 91117 535440 1227191 1227191 69696 69696 23624758 5064 21925474 3930 1699284 1134 1700418 1134 1699284 OTHER INCOME 900099 1511 1511 1511 40016763 535440 1134 2997682 579803 579803 25682 25682 60130 60130 2335975 1512216 387176 436583 12613502 9822670 1431119 1359713 429284 336064 46371 46849 1536694 1176203 180141 180350 1082391 822060 130845 129486 294872 282769 6104 5999 45046 34168 5486 5392 83473 83473 94935 94935 904988 854351 10777 39860 860293 854786 2004 3503 665384 271163 31380 362841 1270680 963811 154769 152100 1237266 938466 150699 148101 1061647 851062 23937 186648 2689316 2533795 78437 77084 777751 589924 94730 93097 107390 81455 13080 12855 RESEARCH SERVICES 910453 908726 1727 DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS 68620 64986 1833 1801 29735575 23647763 2843823 3243989 126700 93433 5860470 6223850 4421315 6063026 228 119915 18593 595475 773056 6917225 2088849 5215493 4828376 39682254 49014155 1563894 1571415 5799326 5391891 63265155 74097710 1681352 1658847 96279 8355561 7882327 10036913 9637453 X 47806920 58178151 5421322 6282106 53228242 64460257 63265155 74097710 10281188 950827 0 X 0 1 X 1 0 X 15761288 36490336 35171838 32251288 36482507 156157257 15761288 36490336 35171838 32251288 36482507 156157257 2822359 153334898 238868 494109 818937 1108667 1296887 3957468 1134 1134 7274 5595 521 1292 1511 16193 160132052 1042769 0.95760 0.96270 X SCHEDULE A, PART II, LINE 10, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME: OTHER INCOME - 2020 AMOUNT: $ 7,274. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 5,595. 2022 AMOUNT: $ 521. 2023 AMOUNT: $ 1,292. 2024 AMOUNT: $ 1,511. RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 7099 83473 90572 23562377 23652949 1000000 250000 0 0 1000000 1000000 1000000 1000000 4000000 6000000 103033 122083 64542 90572 380230 250000 250000 250000 250000 1000000 1500000 4789 3838 7099 15726 24386 24386 24386 24386 24386 24386 24386 24386 24386 24386 0.00000 1.00000 0.00000 0 0 4769620 980596 3789024 1432474 637026 795448 715131 471227 243904 4828376 SECURITY DEPOSIT 129473 OPERATING LEASES RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS 5262418 5391891 LEASE LIABILITIES - OPERATING 7882327 7882327 X 40872655 950827 950827 39921828 94935 94935 40016763 29640640 0 29640640 94935 94935 29735575 PART V, LINE 4: THE FOUNDATION'S ENDOWMENT CONSISTS OF ONE INDIVIDUAL FUND ESTABLISHED PRIMARILY TO FUND OPERATIONS. PART X, LINE 2: THE FOUNDATION IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND IS EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES. ACCORDINGLY, THERE IS NO PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. THE FOUNDATION IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD JEOPARDIZE ITS TAX-EXEMPT STATUS, NOR IS IT AWARE OF ANY OF ITS ACTIVITIES THAT ARE SUBJECT TO TAX ON UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAXES. THE FOUNDATION FOLLOWS THE GUIDANCE IN THE INCOME TAX STANDARD REGARDING THE RECOGNITION AND MEASUREMENT OF UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS. THE GUIDANCE CLARIFIES THE ACCOUNTING FOR UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES RECOGNIZED IN AN ENTITY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE GUIDANCE FURTHER PRESCRIBES RECOGNITION AND MEASUREMENT OF TAX PROVISIONS TAKEN OR EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN ON A TAX RETURN THAT ARE NOT CERTAIN TO BE REALIZED. THE APPLICATION OF THIS STANDARD HAD NO IMPACT ON THE FOUNDATION'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE FOUNDATION'S INCOME TAX RETURNS ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND EXAMINATION BY FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES. 1 EUROPE (INCLUDING ICELAND & GREENLAND) 0 0 GRANTS TO RECIPIENTS LOCATED IN THE REGION 60130 0 0 0 0 0 0 60130 0 60130 EUROPE (INCLUDING ICELAND & GREENLAND) SPONSORSHIP OF SPIKED'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY. 6500 WIRE TRANSFER 0 EUROPE (INCLUDING ICELAND & GREENLAND) SPONSORSHIP OF BATTLE OF IDEAS FESTIVAL OCTOBER 19-20, 2024 IN LONDON, ENGLAND. 25430 WIRE TRANSFER 0 EUROPE (INCLUDING ICELAND & GREENLAND) FREE INQUIRY GRANT FOR DOCTORAL STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD FOR PROJECT "MEDIA SELF-CENSORSHIP IN HONG KONG AFTER THE SHUTDOWN OF APPLE DAILY". 28200 WIRE TRANSFER 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 BALAKER MEDIA FOUNDATION 3075 VIA DEL CIELO FALLBROOK CA 92028 823097825 501(C)(3) 12425 0 PROJECT TO CREATE A FREE EXPRESSION COUNTERBALANCE IN THE FILM INDUSTRY. ELENA VELEZ INDUSTRY INC 706 ROOSTER COURT COLGATE WI 53017 861908623 15000 0 PARTNERSHIP WITH ELENA VELEZ TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE EXPRESSION AT HER FASHION SHOW IN NYC. INSTITUTE FOR HUMANE STUDIES AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY 3434 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD 1ST FLOOR ARLINGTON VA 22201 941623852 501(C)(3) 18500 0 CO-HOSTED HIGHER EDUCATION SUMMIT IN NASHVILLE, TN WITH THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMANE STUDIES FOR FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATORS. NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER 525 ARCH STREET INDEPENDENCE MALL PHILADELPHIA PA 19106 232434447 501(C)(3) 25000 0 PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER TO HOST A FIRST AMENDMENT SUMMIT ON CONSTITUTION DAY. 2WAY INTERACTIVE INC 94 9TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11215 992993902 17500 0 FIRE SPONSORED THE MOYNIHAN REPORT, A CURRENT EVENTS NEWS SHOW HOSTED BY MICHAEL MOYNIHAN ON THE 2WAY PLATFORM. THE SPONSORSHIP FEATURED FIRE STAFF IN SEGMENTS, HOST-LED ADVOCACY, AND DIRECT FUNDRAISING APPEALS THAT INVITED VIEWERS TO SUPPORT FIRE'S FREE SPEECH MISSION. MOVIEGOER INC 991 BLONCO CIRCLE BILLINGS MT 59105 333086492 15000 0 INCREASE FIRE'S NETWORK OF ALLIES AND BUILD GENUINE, SELF-SUSTAINING RELATIONSHIPS TO ADVANCE FIRE'S MISSION. THE FUTURE OF FREE SPEECH 2817 WEST END AVENUE 126-629 NASHVILLE TN 37203 921415119 501(C)(3) 35144 0 THIS WILL BE AN INTERNATIONAL REPLICATION OF THE CFSR SURVEY LOOKING AT BRAZILIAN CAMPUSES RUN BY JACOB MCHANGAMA'S FUTURE OF FREE SPEECH AT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY. TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY 2800 SOUTH UNIVERSITY DRIVE FORT WORTH TX 76109 750827465 501(C)(3) 13846 0 CHIP STEWART WILL RUN AN EXPERIMENT EXPOSING PEOPLE TO LABELED AND UNLABELED AI-GENERATED CONTENT AND AUTHENTIC CONTENT TO SEE WHETHER AND HOW LABELING IMPACTS PEOPLE'S PERCEPTIONS OF THAT CONTENT, TO HELP UNDERSTAND IMPLICATIONS OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION MANDATING LABELING ON AI-GENERATION CONTENT. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY 3910 KESWICK ROAD N4327-B BALTIMORE MD 21211 520595110 501(C)(3) 10000 0 JACOB BRUGGERMAN WILL CREATE AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE DEBATES OF THE CLIPPER CHIP, AN EARLY ENCRYPTION DEVICE THAT CAUSED MASSIVE DEBATES ABOUT PRIVACY AS A CIVIL LIBERTY, AND PRESAGED THE MANY DEBATES OVER PRIVACY AND TECH OF THE COMING DECADES. GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY 37TH O STREETS NW BOX 571173 WASHINGTON DC 20057 530196603 501(C)(3) 35000 0 JOHN HASNAS WILL RECRUIT PAPER WRITERS AND SPEAKERS TO HOST A SYMPOSIUM ON THE ETHICS OF FREE SPEECH ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES AT GEORGETOWN, WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY 2650 KENNY ROAD ROOM 120 COLUMBUS OH 43210 316025986 GOV INSTRUMENTALITY 12050 0 EDWARD HOHE WILL USE A SURVEY INSTRUMENT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW STUDENTS WHO SELF-CENSOR CONCEPTUALIZE THAT SELF-CENSORSHIP, BY OFFERING HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS AND SEEING WHAT VARIABLES CAUSE THEM TO INDICATE THAT THEY WOULDN'T SELF-CENSOR. THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 3451 WALNUT STREET 5TH FLOOR PHILADELPHIA PA 19104 231352685 501(C)(3) 11000 0 RUNNING A SURVEY ON ACADEMICS TO SEE WHETHER AND HOW SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND MAY RELATE TO VIEWS ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND FREE SPEECH, TO TEST THE HYPOTHESIS THAT THOSE FROM DIVERSE, BLUE COLLAR, OR LOW SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS MAY SHOW GREATER TOLERANCE FOR DIFFERENCE OF OPINION AND HETERODOX VIEWS THAN ACADEMICS THAT COME FROM HOMOGENEOUS, ELITE, OR HIGH SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS. PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE 1033 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE 2ND FLOOR CAMBRIDGE MA 02138 042103580 501(C)(3) 50000 0 THIS IS AN INTERVENTION STUDY THAT WILL TEST THE HKS PRACTICE OF TRAINING STUDENTS IN CIVIL DISAGREEMENT BY HAVING THEM INTERACT WITH AI CHATBOTS TO DEBATE HOT-BUTTON SOCIAL ISSUES AS PART OF ORIENTATION. ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS RELATING TO CIVIL DISAGREEMENT WILL BE MEASURED BEFORE AND AFTER EXPOSURE TO THE INTERVENTION. THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 3451 WALNUT STREET 5TH FLOOR PHILADELPHIA PA 19104 231352685 501(C)(3) 22000 0 SURVEYS WILL BE UTILIZED TO FIND DIFFERENCES IN SUPPORT AMONG THE AMERICAN PUBLIC FOR THE LEGALITY OF DISAGREEABLE SPEECH AND PROTEST FOR CITIZENS AND NONCITIZENS AND STUDENTS AND NON-STUDENTS. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA BOARD OF TRUSTEES 4202 EAST FOWLER AVENUE SVC1039 TAMPA FL 33620 593102112 GOV INSTRUMENTALITY 24279 0 MARK PEZZO WILL DO 5 PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIMENTS TO SEE HOW DIFFERENT FACTORS INFLUENCE DESIRE TO CENSOR IN THE EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT, INCLUDING PERCEIVED OFFENSIVENESS, FALSITY, AND HARM, AS WELL AS PRAGMATIC CONCERNS (LOSS OF INCOME, HARM TO REPUTATION). COSMOS INSTITUTE INC 500 WEST 2ND STREET SUITE 1900 AUSTIN TX 78701 933752918 501(C)(3) 250000 0 FIRE AND COSMOS INSTITUTE ARE COLLABORATING ON A FAST GRANTS PROJECT TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRUTH-SEEKING AI. 13 3 CAMPUS SCHOLAR PROGRAM 5 7500 422 FMV EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS 23 9760 FMV AIRLINE & TRAIN TICKETS FOR STUDENTS TO ATTEND FIRE'S FREE SPEECH FORUM IN WASHINGTON, DC. FREE INQUIRY GRANT 1 8000 FMV PART I, LINE 2: GRANT FUNDS ARE GIVEN TO FULFILL THE ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION AND ONLY FOR 501(C)(3) PURPOSES. REGULAR CHECK-IN MEETINGS ARE HELD WITH THOSE THAT RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS TO MONITOR USE OF GRANT FUNDS. GRANTEES OF THE FREE INQUIRY GRANT (FIG) PROGRAM MUST: 1. PROVIDE FIRE WITH A WRITTEN REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT AND USE OF THE GRANT EVERY FOUR MONTHS BEGINNING ON THE DATE GRANT FUNDS ARE FIRST DISBURSED TO GRANTEE; AND 2. MAINTAIN BOOKS AND RECORDS REGARDING THE USE OF THE GRANT, INCLUDING COMPLETE RECORDS OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES, AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY FIRE FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR (4) YEARS FOLLOWING USE OF THE GRANT. STUDENTS APPLY FOR THE CAMPUS SCHOLARS PROGRAM DURING A BIANNUAL APPLICATION WINDOW. FIRE THEN EVALUATES APPLICATIONS, CONDUCTS INTERVIEWS, AND SELECTS A LIMITED NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS. FIRE PROVIDES FUNDS TO ASSIST WITH A FIRE MISSION-CENTRIC PROJECT AND REGULARLY MEETS WITH THE CAMPUS SCHOLAR TO CHECK ON THEIR PROGRESS. STUDENTS ARE AWARDED A STIPEND UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THEIR PROJECT. PART III, COLUMN (B): STUDENTS SUBMITTED TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS INCLUDING JUSTIFICATION OF NEED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH TRAVEL COSTS TO ATTEND THE FREE SPEECH FORUM. OF THE 200 PARTICIPANTS, 23 RECEIVED TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS. X X X X X 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 GREGORY LUKIANOFF PRESIDENT AND CEO 584657 0 0 0 37000 0 22512 0 22887 0 667056 0 0 0 ALISHA GLENNON CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 398607 0 3000 0 0 0 23000 0 22887 0 447494 0 0 0 BOB CORN REVERE CHIEF COUNSEL 395432 0 2500 0 2500 0 22632 0 17497 0 440561 0 0 0 WILLIAM CREELEY LEGAL DIRECTOR 353557 0 3000 0 11000 0 20300 0 22887 0 410744 0 0 0 RONALD LONDON GENERAL COUNSEL 288429 0 10000 0 1000 0 17306 0 22887 0 339622 0 0 0 NICHOLAS PERRINO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT 275251 0 3000 0 1000 0 16515 0 22887 0 318653 0 0 0 DARPANA SHETH VP OF LITIGATION THROUGH NOV 2024 142747 0 0 0 106250 0 15300 0 22887 0 287184 0 0 0 MATT HARWOOD VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNIC 186603 0 2500 0 0 0 11196 0 22887 0 223186 0 0 0 BRIDGET GLACKIN CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 170916 0 15000 0 0 0 10255 0 22809 0 218980 0 0 0 SULEYMAN GOKYIGIT CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER 180772 0 7500 0 0 0 0 0 7868 0 196140 0 0 0 PART I, LINE 4A NAME: DARPANA SHETH, DESCRIPTION: SEVERANCE/CHANGE OF CONTROL, CURRENT YEAR AMOUNT: $106,250. PLAN DESCRIPTION: SEVERANCE PAYMENTS PART I, LINE 7 DISCRETIONARY BONUSES MAY BE APPROVED BY AN EMPLOYEE'S MANAGER OR, FOR THE PRESIDENT & CEO, BY THE BOARD. OTHER EARNINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS ARE DUE TO HONORARIUMS THAT WERE PAID FOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS IN WHICH TEAM MEMBERS PARTICIPATED. X 39 1396087 FAIR MARKET VALUE 0 0 1 0 PART I, COLUMN (B): THE FIGURE IN THIS COLUMN REPRESENTS THE NUMBER OF DONORS IN THE GIVEN CATEGORY. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 3 YES. FIRST, WE ENDED OUR FACULTY OUTREACH PROGRAM AS A STANDALONE DEPARTMENT, MOVING THOSE EFFORTS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO STREAMLINE OUR WORK AND ENSURE EFFICIENCY. THROUGH THOSE OTHER DEPARTMENTS, FIRE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY TO CONNECT WITH PEERS WHILE ACCESSING AND CONTRIBUTING TO FIRE'S RESEARCH. WE WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO DEFEND FACULTY WHOSE EXPRESSIVE RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED. ADDITIONALLY, WE ENDED OUR ENGAGEMENT AND MOBILIZATION PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR LAUNCHING TAKE-ACTION CAMPAIGNS, LIKE PETITIONS, EMAIL-WRITING INITIATIVES, AND OPEN LETTERS, THAT RALLIED CONCERNED CITIZENS AND OTHER ADVOCATES TO SPEAK OUT ON BEHALF OF FREE EXPRESSION. CAMPAIGNS LIKE THESE ARE IMPORTANT, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO LAUNCH THEM, BUT THEY USUALLY SUPPORT CASES THAT FIRE'S CAMPUS RIGHTS ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC ADVOCACY TEAMS ARE ACTIVELY WORKING ON. THEREFORE, TO STREAMLINE THESE EFFORTS, WE MOVED OUR ENGAGEMENT AND MOBILIZATION STAFFERS TO THOSE DEPARTMENTS. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C IN ADDITION TO DIRECT LITIGATION, FIRE PARTICIPATES AS AMICUS CURIAE IN STRATEGICALLY CHOSEN CASES TO SUPPORT CRITICAL LEGAL ARGUMENTS AND ADVANCE IMPORTANT PRECEDENT. FINALLY, THE LITIGATION PROJECT WORKS TO POSITION FIRE AS A THOUGHT LEADER IN FIRST AMENDMENT JURISPRUDENCE BY PUBLISHING OPINION PIECES AND LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP, TEACHING CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION COURSES, AND RECRUITING LIKE-MINDED ATTORNEYS FOR OUR LEGAL NETWORK AND FACULTY LEGAL DEFENSE FUND. BETWEEN JULY 1, 2024 AND JUNE 30, 2025, FIRE WAS IN ACTIVE LITIGATION IN 32 CASES, FURTHERING ITS MISSION. 1. DIEI V. BOYD, ET AL., CASE NO. 23-5771 (6TH CIR.): FIRE REPRESENTS FORMER GRADUATE PHARMACY STUDENT KIMBERLY DIEI IN THIS LAWSUIT AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AND ITS ADMINISTRATORS. DIEI WAS INVESTIGATED TWICE BY HER PROGRAM'S "PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT COMMITTEE" BECAUSE OF ALLEGATIONS THAT HER PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY WAS TOO "CRUDE," "VULGAR, AND "SEXUAL." AFTER THE DISTRICT COURT DISMISSED THE CASE ON THE PLEADINGS, DIEI APPEALED TO THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT, WHICH RULED IN DIEI'S FAVOR IN SEPTEMBER 2024. IN JANUARY 2025, THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AGREED TO PAY MS. DIEI $250,000 IN DAMAGES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY SEEKING TO (A) PROTECT A STUDENT'S OFF-CAMPUS, EXTRAMURAL, AND ONLINE SPEECH AND (B) ESTABLISH CONSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS ON A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY'S DISCRETION TO PUNISH EXPRESSION IT SUBJECTIVELY DEEMS "UNPROFESSIONAL." 2. FIRE V. TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY, CASE NO. 11-23-00232 (COURT OF APPEALS, 15TH CT. APP., TEX.): IN FEBRUARY 2022, FIRE SUED TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY FOR FAILING TO DISCLOSE PUBLIC RECORDS UNDER THE TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT. FIRE SOUGHT INFORMATION ABOUT A FORMER PROFESSOR WHO THREATENED TO SUE THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER, TEXAN NEWS SERVICE, FOR DEFAMATION AFTER IT ACCURATELY REPORTED ON ALLEGATIONS OF HIS INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT TOWARD FEMALE STUDENTS. TARLETON PRESSURED THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER TO TAKE DOWN THE ARTICLES OR RISK LOSING FUNDING, THEN TOOK OVER THE PAPER, WHICH PREVIOUSLY HAD BEEN EDITORIALLY INDEPENDENT. THE TRIAL COURT ORDERED TARLETON TO PRODUCE THE RECORDS AND AWARDED FIRE ITS COSTS AND FEES. AFTER TARLETON MOVED TO RECONSIDER, THE COURT UPHELD ITS ORDER TO DISCLOSE THE RECORDS BUT REVERSED ITS GRANT OF COSTS AND FEES. IN MAY 2025, THE TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS REVERSED OUR WIN, HOLDING THE UNIVERSITY'S DECISION TO WITHHOLD "STUDENT RECORDS" UNDER FERPA IS NOT JUDICIALLY REVIEWABLE, EVEN AFTER FIRE ARGUED, WITH EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT, THAT SOME OF THE WITHHELD RECORDS DO NOT PERTAIN TO STUDENTS AT ALL. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY HOLDING PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR VIOLATIONS OF PRESS FREEDOM AND BY VIGOROUSLY PURSUING THE DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS MADE PUBLIC UNDER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW. 3. REGES V. CAUCE, CASE NO. 0:24-CV-03518 (9TH CIR.): FIRE REPRESENTS COMPUTER SCIENCE PROFESSOR STUART REGES, WHO FACES POTENTIAL TERMINATION FOR INCLUDING ON HIS SYLLABUS A SATIRICAL CRITIQUE OF THE "INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT" THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ENCOURAGES FACULTY TO INCLUDE ON THEIR SYLLABI. UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS PUNISHED REGES FOR HIS PROTECTED SPEECH BY CENSORING THE ONLINE VERSION OF HIS SYLLABUS, CREATING A COMPETING SECTION OF HIS CLASS, AND INVESTIGATING HIM FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS UNDER A VAGUE POLICY THAT PROHIBITS "UNACCEPTABLE AND "INAPPROPRIATE" SPEECH. AFTER THE DISTRICT COURT DISMISSED REGES'S CLAIMS IN MAY 2024, FIRE APPEALED TO THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT, WHICH HEARD ORAL ARGUMENTS IN MAY 2025. WE ARE NOW AWAITING THE NINTH CIRCUIT'S DECISION. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY STANDING UP FOR FACULTY RIGHTS TO EXPRESS DISSENTING OPINIONS ON CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS AND TO MANAGE THE CONTENTS OF THEIR SYLLABI WITHOUT RETALIATION. 4. FLORES V. BENNETT, CASE NO. 22-01003 (E.D. CA.): FIRE REPRESENTED THE YOUNG AMERICANS FOR FREEDOM STUDENT GROUP AT CLOVIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN THIS LAWSUIT, WHICH CHALLENGED THE COLLEGE'S POLICY BANNING FLYERS WITH "INAPPROPRIATE OR OFFENS[IVE] LANGUAGE OR THEMES." CITING THIS POLICY, ADMINISTRATORS REMOVED THE GROUP'S ANTI-COMMUNISM FLYERS FROM THE INDOOR SCHOOL BULLETIN BOARDS AND REJECTED THE GROUP'S FLYERS WITH PRO-LIFE AND OTHER THEMES. IN AUGUST 2023, THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT UPHELD THE DISTRICT COURT'S INJUNCTION AGAINST THE COLLEGE'S UNCONSTITUTIONAL FLYER POLICY. IN JULY 2024, THE DISTRICT COURT ENTERED AN ORDER ON A JOINT MOTION FOR ENTRY OF A STIPULATED PERMANENT INJUNCTION, PART OF WHICH REQUIRED CCC TO PAY PLAINTIFFS $330,000 IN DAMAGES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING STUDENTS' RIGHTS TO FREELY EXPRESS THEIR POLITICAL VIEWPOINTS AT PUBLIC COLLEGES. 5. NOVOA V. DIAZ, CASE NO. 22-13994 (11TH CIR.): IN THIS FIRST AMENDMENT CHALLENGE TO FLORIDA'S STOP WOKE ACT, FIRE REPRESENTS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA PROFESSOR DR. ADRIANA NOVOA AND STUDENT GROUP USF FIRST AMENDMENT FORUM. THE ACT VIOLATES THE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF FACULTY AND STUDENTS BY PROHIBITING "INSTRUCTION" ON EIGHT CONCEPTS RELATED TO "RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR SEX." AFTER THE DISTRICT COURT HALTED ENFORCEMENT OF KEY PARTS OF THE "POSITIVELY DYSTOPIAN" ACT, THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT DENIED FLORIDA'S REQUEST TO STAY THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION. ON APPEAL, 11 "FRIEND OF THE COURT" BRIEFS WERE FILED IN SUPPORT OF FIRE'S CLIENTS. THE CASE AWAITS A MERITS RULING BY THE FEDERAL APPEALS COURT, WHICH HEARD ORAL ARGUMENT IN JUNE 2024. THIS LITIGATION FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY STOPPING THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING IDEOLOGICAL HANDCUFFS ON FACULTY'S RIGHTS TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND STUDENTS' RIGHTS TO RECEIVE INFORMATION. 6. VILLARREAL V. CITY OF LAREDO, CASE NO. 23-1155 (SCOTUS): FIRE REPRESENTS CITIZEN JOURNALIST PRISCILLA VILLARREAL IN THIS LAWSUIT CHALLENGING HER ARREST FOR ASKING A POLICE OFFICER FOR INFORMATION AS PART OF HER NEWS REPORTING. OFFICIALS RELIED ON A CRIMINAL STATUTEONE THEY HAD NEVER ENFORCED IN THE LAW'S 23-YEAR HISTORYPROHIBITING PEOPLE FROM USING INFORMATION THAT "HAS NOT BEEN MADE PUBLIC" TO "OBTAIN A BENEFIT." AFTER THE DISTRICT COURT GRANTED LAREDO OFFICIALS QUALIFIED IMMUNITY, A PANEL OF THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT REVERSED. REHEARING THE CASE EN BANC, THE FULL FIFTH CIRCUIT RULED 9-7 THAT THE OFFICERS WERE ENTITLED TO QUALIFIED IMMUNITY, WITH FOUR JUDGES AUTHORING VIGOROUS DISSENTS. FIRE PETITIONED FOR CERTIORARI WITH THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES AND GARNERED 13 "FRIEND-OF-THE-COURT" BRIEFS IN SUPPORT, REPRESENTING OVER 40 INDIVIDUALS, CIVIL-LIBERTIES GROUPS, AND MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS. IN OCTOBER 2024, SCOTUS GRANTED FIRE'S PETITION FOR CERTIORARI IN VILLARREAL V. ALANIZ AND SUMMARILY VACATED THE FIFTH CIRCUIT'S RULING DISMISSING PRISCILLA'S CASE. HOWEVER, IN APRIL 2025, THE FIFTH CIRCUIT MOSTLY REINSTATED ITS PREVIOUS RULING; NOW, FIRE IS ONCE AGAIN ASKING THE SUPREME COURT TO INTERVENE. THIS LITIGATION FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY CONTRIBUTING TO A WELL-INFORMED PUBLIC, FREE FROM FEAR THAT OFFICIALS WILL ABUSE THE LAWS TO TRY TO SILENCE THEIR CRITICS. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C 7. VOLOKH V. JAMES, CASE NO. 23-356 (2ND CIR.): FIRE REPRESENTS EUGENE VOLOKH AND ONLINE PLATFORMS RUMBLE AND LOCALS IN A FEDERAL CHALLENGE TO A NEW YORK LAW TARGETING SO-CALLED "HATE SPEECH" BY REQUIRING ONLINE PLATFORMS TO RESPOND TO OR ADDRESS SPEECH THAT SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, FINDS "HUMILIATING OR "VILIFYING" TOWARD A GROUP BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, OR OTHER PROTECTED CLASS. AFTER THE DISTRICT COURT GRANTED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION, THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT HEARD ORAL ARGUMENT IN FEBRUARY 2024. AS OF JULY 2025, THE CASE IS AWAITING A DECISION ON APPEAL AFTER THE PARTIES SUBMITTED SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEFING. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING ONLINE SPEECH FROM GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE AND HOLDING THE LINE AGAINST GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF "HATE SPEECH," WHICH IS PROTECTED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT. 8. O.J. V. CHAPPAQUA CENTER SCHOOL DIST., CASE NO. 7:2024-CV-02830 (S.D.N.Y.): FIRE REPRESENTED A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WHO WAS SUSPENDED IN 2022 AFTER HE RECORDED SATIRICAL AND SOPHOMORIC FREESTYLE RAP LYRICS AT A FRIENDS' HOUSE. UNKNOWN TO HIM, HIS FRIEND COMBINED HIS LYRICS WHICH INCLUDED HOMOPHOBIC SLURS WITH THOSE OF ANOTHER TEEN AND POSTED THE RECORDING ON SOUNDCLOUD. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, WHO LEARNED OF THE RECORDING THROUGH ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS, DEEMED THE LYRICS TO BE "HATE SPEECH" EVEN THOUGH THE PLAINTIFF IS A MEMBER OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY. IN JUNE 2025, THE SCHOOL AGREED TO PERMANENTLY EXPUNGE O.J.'S RECORD, ADOPT A NEW FIRST AMENDMENT POLICY, AND PAY $70,000. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES ONLINE, ON THEIR OWN TIME, OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL, ESPECIALLY WHERE THEIR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION IS UNRELATED TO AND DOES NOT DISRUPT SCHOOL. 9. D.A. V. TRI COUNTY AREA SCHOOLS, CASE NO. 1:23-423 (6TH CIR.): FIRE REPRESENTS TWO MIDDLE-SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MICHIGAN IN A LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THEIR PUBLIC SCHOOL'S VIEWPOINT-DISCRIMINATORY BAN ON "LET'S GO BRANDON" APPAREL AND ITS DRESS CODE THAT BANS CLOTHING "CALL[ING] UNDUE ATTENTION" TO THE STUDENT. SCHOOL OFFICIALS ORDERED THE STUDENTS TO REMOVE SWEATSHIRTS WITH THE PHRASE "LET'S GO BRANDON," A WELL-KNOWN, NON-PROFANE, ANTI-PRESIDENT BIDEN SLOGAN, WHILE ALLOWING OTHER STUDENTS TO WEAR APPAREL WITH DIFFERENT POLITICAL MESSAGES, INCLUDING GAY-PRIDE-THEMED HOODIES. IN AUGUST 2024, THE DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN UPHELD THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S CENSORSHIP OF "LET'S GO BRANDON" APPAREL, A DECISION FIRE APPEALED IN DECEMBER 2024. IN JUNE 2025, THE 6TH CIRCUIT HEARD ORAL ARGUMENTS, AND FIRE NOW AWAITS THE COURT'S DECISION. THIS LITIGATION FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION TO PROTECT STUDENT SPEECH IN K-12, ESPECIALLY CORE POLITICAL SPEECH, AND PREVENT SCHOOLS FROM ENGAGING IN VIEWPOINT DISCRIMINATION. 10. I.P. V. TULLAHOMA CITY SCHOOLS, CASE NO. 4:23-CV-26 (E.D. TENN.): FIRE REPRESENTS A STUDENT CHALLENGING HIS SUSPENSION FOR IMAGES HE POSTED ON HIS PERSONAL INSTAGRAM MOCKING HIS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. ALTHOUGH THE POSTS DID NOT DISRUPT SCHOOL, PRINCIPAL JASON QUICK AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CRUTCHFIELD SLAPPED THE STUDENT WITH A THREE-DAY, OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION, RELYING ON THE SCHOOL'S SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES, INCLUDING ONE PROHIBITING STUDENTS FROM POSTS THAT "EMBARRASS," "DISCREDIT, OR "HUMILIATE" ANOTHER STUDENT OR SCHOOL STAFF. AFTER FIRE MOVED FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION TO REMOVE THE SUSPENSION FROM THE STUDENT'S RECORD AND TO HALT ENFORCEMENT OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT VOLUNTARILY REMOVED THE CHALLENGED POLICIES FROM ITS STUDENT HANDBOOK. THE CASE IS SET FOR TRIAL IN JANUARY 2026 AS TO REMAINING ISSUES. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING THE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF GRADE-SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN ONLINE PARODY AND EXPRESSION, EVEN WHEN CRITICIZING THEIR SCHOOL. 11. SPECTRUM WT V. WENDLER, CASE NO. 23-10994 (5TH CIR.): FIRE REPRESENTS SPECTRUM WT, AN LGBTQ+ STUDENT ORGANIZATION AT WEST TEXAS A&M, ALONG WITH ITS STUDENT LEADERS, BARRETT "BEAR" BRIGHT AND LAUREN "LAUR" STOVALL IN A CHALLENGE TO WEST TEXAS A&M'S PRESIDENT'S CANCELING OF THE GROUP'S DRAG SHOW. PRESIDENT WALTER WENDLER DENOUNCED DRAG AS "SLAPSTICK" INTENDED TO "DENIGRATE AND DEMEAN WOMEN AND DECLARED HE WOULD NOT CONDONE SUCH SPEECH, "EVEN WHEN THE LAW OF THE LAND APPEARS TO REQUIRE IT." AFTER THE DISTRICT COURT DENIED THE STUDENTS' MOTION FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AND DISMISSED THE DAMAGES CLAIM AGAINST PRESIDENT WENDLER, THE STUDENTS APPEALED TO THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT, WHICH HEARD ORAL ARGUMENT IN APRIL 2024. AS OF JULY 2025, FIRE AWAITS THE FIFTH CIRCUIT'S DECISION. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY DEFENDING STUDENTS' RIGHT TO FREE EXPRESSION ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES. 12. BOREN V. GADWA, NO. 50604-2023 (IDAHO): FIRE IS REPRESENTING GARY GADWA IN THIS APPEAL FROM THE DISMISSAL OF A DEFAMATION SUIT. GADWA VOCALLY OPPOSED A WEALTHY LANDOWNER'S APPLICATION FOR AN AIRSTRIP ON HIS 480-ACRE RANCH IN THE SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA BECAUSE HE BELIEVED THE AIRSTRIP WAS UNNECESSARY AND WOULD MAR THE AREA'S SCENIC VALUE. ALTHOUGH THE COUNTY GRANTED THE PERMIT, BOREN NEVERTHELESS SUED GADWA AND OTHER IDAHOANS FOR SPEAKING OUT AGAINST HIM. AFTER THE IDAHO TRIAL COURT CORRECTLY DISMISSED BOREN'S LAWSUIT, RECOGNIZING THE THREAT THE DEFAMATION SUIT POSED TO FREE EXPRESSION, BOREN APPEALED TO THE IDAHO SUPREME COURT. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY DEFENDING AGAINST ATTEMPTS TO INTIMIDATE CRITICS INTO SILENCE WITH STRATEGIC LAWSUITS AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. 13. KERSHNAR V. KOLISON, CASE NO. 1:23-CV-525 (W.D.N.Y.): FIRE REPRESENTS TENURED PHILOSOPHY PROFESSOR DR. STEPHEN KERSHNAR IN THIS LAWSUIT AGAINST SUNY FREDONIA. IN FEBRUARY 2022, SUNY FREDONIA'S LEADERSHIP SUSPENDED KERSHNAR FROM TEACHING, BANNED HIM FROM CAMPUS, AND PROHIBITED HIM FROM CONTACTING THE "CAMPUS COMMUNITY" OVER WHAT THE UNIVERSITY CALLED "REPREHENSIBLE" VIEWS SHARED ON TWO PHILOSOPHY PODCASTS ABOUT THE PHILOSOPHICAL AND ETHICAL ARGUMENTS CONCERNING SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MINORS AND ADULTS. THIS LAWSUIT FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY STOPPING PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES FROM RETALIATING AGAINST PROFESSORS FOR AND IMPOSING PRIOR RESTRAINTS ON SPEECH PROTECTED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT. 14. PALSGAARD V. CHRISTIAN, CASE 1:23-CV-01228-SAB (E.D. CAL.): FIRE REPRESENTED SIX TENURED PROFESSORS IN THIS FIRST AMENDMENT CHALLENGE TO CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA) REGULATIONS, WHICH REQUIRE ALL COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROFESSORS TO INCORPORATE THE STATE'S VIEWS ON DEIA INTO THEIR TEACHING. IN JANUARY 2025, THE DISTRICT COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT ON GROUNDS THE LAW DID NOT REACH THE PROFESSORS' INTENDED EXPRESSION AND THERE WAS NO APPEAL TO THIS RULING THAT THE CHALLENGED PROVISIONS COULD NOT APPLY TO THE PROFESSORS' DETRIMENT. THIS CASE FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING THE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITY FACULTY, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO NOT BE COMPELLED TO SPEAK. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C 15. DUBASH V. CITY OF HOUSTON, ET AL., CASE 4:23-CV-03556 (5TH CIR.): FIRE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS'S LAW AND RELIGION CLINIC REPRESENT ANIMAL-RIGHTS ADVOCATES, DARAIUS DUBASH AND FARAZ HARSINI, WHO PEACEFULLY SHOW DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE OF INDUSTRIAL ANIMAL PRACTICES ON HAND-HELD SCREENS TO PASSERSBY IN DISCOVERY GREEN PARK. THREE TIMES, HOUSTON OFFICIALS AND THE GROUP THAT RUNS THE PUBLIC PARK KICKED DUBASH AND HARSINI OUT OF THE PARK, DESPITE ALLOWING OTHER GROUPS TO DEMONSTRATE IN DISCOVERY GREEN OVER RECENT YEARS. ON THE FOURTH TIME, HOUSTON POLICE HANDCUFFED AND ARRESTED DUBASH BECAUSE THEY AND PARK STAFF FOUND THE DOCUMENTARY FOOTAGE "OFFENSIVE." AFTER AN UNFAVORABLE RULING FROM THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS, FIRE APPEALED TO THE FIFTH CIRCUIT. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING THE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT OF CITIZENS TO PEACEFULLY PROTEST AND EXPRESS THEIR POLITICAL OPINIONS IN A PUBLIC PARK. 16. GIBBONS V. PHIPPS, CASE 2:23-CV-00138 (E.D. TENN.): FIRE REPRESENTS JOSHUA GIBBONS IN THIS LAWSUIT AGAINST THE CITY OF KINGSPORT, ITS OFFICIALS, AND POLICE OFFICERS FOR ARRESTING HIM IN RETALIATION FOR CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED EXPRESSION. GIBBONS IS A FREQUENT CRITIC OF THE KINGSPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT, RECORDING POLICE OFFICERS AND EXPOSING THEIR MISCONDUCT ON HIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL. AFTER GIBBONS POSTED A VIDEO SHOWING A POLICE OFFICER SPEEDING IN HIS CRUISER, THE KINGSPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT, WITH THE BLESSING OF ITS SENIOR LEADERSHIP, SENT EIGHT, HEAVILY ARMED OFFICERS TO ARREST HIM IN A PRE-DAWN RAID IN OCTOBER 2022 FOR ALLEGED SPEEDING, UNLAWFUL USE OF A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING, AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING AMERICANS' FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS TO CRITICIZE PUBLIC OFFICIALS ONLINE. 17. ZOULEK V. HASS, CASE 2:24-CV-00031 (D. UTAH): FIRE IS PARTNERING WITH DAVIS, WRIGHT TREMAINE LLP TO CHALLENGE THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF UTAH'S LATEST SOCIAL MEDIA AGE-VERIFICATION LAW, WHICH TAKES EFFECT OCTOBER 1, 2024. THE UTAH MINOR PROTECTION IN SOCIAL MEDIA ACT REQUIRES EVERY SOCIAL MEDIA USER TO VERIFY THEIR AGE OR ELSE BE RESTRICTED TO A VERSION OF SOCIAL MEDIA THAT ESSENTIALLY MAKES THEM AND THEIR SPEECH INVISIBLE TO ANY USER TO WHOM THEY ARE NOT ALREADY CONNECTED. PLAINTIFFS ARE TEENS WHO USE SOCIAL MEDIA, THEIR PARENTS, ADULTS WHO ESCAPED ABUSIVE HOMES AND USE SOCIAL NETWORKS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES, AND A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT USES SOCIAL MEDIA TO TEACH TEENS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ADVOCACY. IN SEPTEMBER 2024, THE DISTRICT OF UTAH GRANTED THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION, AND THE CASE IS CURRENTLY STAYED, PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE APPEAL IN NETCHOICE V. BROWN, AFTER WHICH FIRE PLANS TO FILE AN AMENDED COMPLAINT. THIS LITIGATION FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY FIGHTING AGAINST LAWS THAT SEEK TO REGULATE AND CHILL THE ONLINE SPEECH OF BOTH ADULTS AND MINORS. 18. NETCHOICE V. BONTA, CASE NO. 5:22-CV-08861-BLF (9TH CIR.): FIRE IS PARTNERING WITH DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE, LLP TO CHALLENGE THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE CALIFORNIA AGE-APPROPRIATE DESIGN CODE ACT. THE LAW REQUIRES EVERY ONLINE PLATFORM TO COMPLETE AND REGULARLY REVIEW A DATA PROTECTION IMPACT ASSESSMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PLATFORM'S CONTENT, ALGORITHMS, AND USE OF MINORS' DATA MIGHT BE "DETRIMENTAL" TO MINORS. IF THE PLATFORM IDENTIFIES ANY RISK OF "MATERIAL DETRIMENT" TO MINORS, IT MUST CREATE A PLAN TO MITIGATE OR ELIMINATE THE RISK BEFORE CHILDREN CAN ACCESS THE PLATFORM. THE LAW ALSO IMPOSES NUMEROUS TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ON PLATFORMS. IN MARCH 2025, THE NINTH CIRCUIT GRANTED NETCHOICE'S REQUEST FOR A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AGAINST THE CAADCA. THIS LITIGATION FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY FIGHTING AGAINST LAWS THAT SEEK TO REGULATE AND CHILL THE ONLINE SPEECH OF BOTH ADULTS AND MINORS. 19. GRAY V. CITY OF ALPHARETTA, GA, CASE 1:23-CV-00463-MLB (N.D. GA.): FIRE REPRESENTS JEFF GRAY IN THIS FEDERAL LAWSUIT CHALLENGING HIS ARREST FOR HOLDING A "GOD BLESS THE HOMELESS VETS" SIGN OUTSIDE ALPHARETTA CITY HALL TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE PLIGHT OF HOMELESS VETERANS. WITHIN MINUTES OF GRAY ARRIVING AT CITY HALL, LT. ARICK FURR, ORDERED GRAY TO LEAVE BECAUSE "PANHANDLING" WAS ILLEGAL AND HOLDING THE SIGN WAS ITSELF "PANHANDLING." WHEN GRAY REFUSED TO LEAVE AND RECORDED THE ENCOUNTER, LT. FURR DETAINED GRAY AND DEMANDED HIS IDENTIFICATION. GRAY REFUSED AND LT. FURR PLACED GRAY IN HANDCUFFS, SEARCHED HIM, AND TURNED OFF HIS CAMERA. IN JANUARY 2023, FIRE SUED ON GRAY'S BEHALF TO VINDICATE HIS CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND END ALPHARETTA'S UNWRITTEN BAN ON "PANHANDLING." IN JULY 2024, THE CITY OF ALPHARETTA SETTLED THE CASE, AGREEING TO (1) PROHIBIT ITS POLICE OFFICERS FROM TELLING PEOPLE THAT PANHANDLING IS BANNED; (2) SUBJECT OFFICERS TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR VIOLATING FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS, (3) PROVIDE TRAINING TO OFFICERS ON THE FIRST AMENDMENT; AND (4) PAY $55,000 IN DAMAGES AND ATTORNEYS FEES. THIS CASE FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC AREAS, THE RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN ANONYMOUS EXPRESSION, AND THE RIGHT TO RECORD POLICE OFFICERS. 20. ADAMS V. GULLEY, NO. CCH-24-587004 (S.F. SUPER. CT.): FIRE DEFENDED PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT AMY GULLEY AGAINST A CIVIL-HARASSMENT RESTRAINING ORDER AND STRATEGIC LAWSUIT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION BROUGHT BY A BRITISH EXPAT LIVING IN CALIFORNIA TO SUPPRESS GULLEY'S PUBLIC CRITICISM OF HER EFFORTS TO INTERVENE IN A FAMOUS TRIAL OF A BRITISH NURSE FOUND GUILTY OF COMMITTING INFANTICIDE. FIRE CHALLENGED THE CIVIL-HARASSMENT RESTRAINING ORDER AS A PRIOR RESTRAINT. IN SEPTEMBER 2024, THE COURT HELD A HEARING, ULTIMATELY GRANTING THE MOTION TO QUASH. AFTER 115 DAYS, THE PRIOR RESTRAINT WAS DISSOLVED. THIS CASE FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY DEFENDING AGAINST SLAPPS AND SEEKING TO CURB THE USE OF RESTRAINING ORDERS TO SILENCE CRITICISM. 21. HOGARTH V. BRINSON BELL, CASE 5:24-CV-481 (E.D.N.C.): WE REPRESENT SUSAN HOGARTH, A REGISTERED VOTER IN WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, IN THIS CHALLENGE TO THE STATE'S BAN ON "BALLOT SELFIES." THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS THREATENED TO CRIMINALLY PROSECUTE SUSAN AFTER SHE POSTED A "SELFIE" WITH HER COMPLETED BALLOT ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE HER CHOSEN CANDIDATES AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE. FOLLOWING ORAL ARGUMENTS ON OUR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION MOTION, THE WAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AGREED TO A CONSENT ORDER, WHICH THE COURT ENTERED, PREVENTING ANY PROSECUTION OF HOGARTH FOR BALLOT SELFIES WHILE THE CASE IS PENDING. THE PARTIES HAVE FULLY BRIEFED CROSS MOTIONS FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS, AND WE AWAIT A RULING ON THE MOTION. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY DEFENDING POLITICAL EXPRESSION AT THE BALLOT BOX, ENSURING THAT VOTERS REMAIN FREE TO SHARE THEIR VOICES AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION WITHOUT FEAR OF CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C 22. STUDENTS ENGAGED IN ADVANCING TEXAS V. PAXTON, CASE 1:24-CV-00945 (W.D. TEX.): WE REPRESENT VARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA USERS IN A CHALLENGE TO TEXAS'S SCOPE ACT, WHICH UNCONSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRES PLATFORMS TO ASK FOR AND REGISTER THEIR USERS' AGES AND FOR CERTAIN PLATFORMS TO VERIFY THEM. THE LAW ALSO MANDATES DIGITAL SERVICE PROVIDERS TO PREVENT MINORS FROM BEING EXPOSED TO "HARMFUL MATERIAL," BROADLY DEFINED TO INCLUDE CONTENT THAT "PROMOTES, GLORIFIES, OR FACILITATES" BEHAVIORS LIKE SUICIDE, DRUG ABUSE, BULLYING, HARASSMENT, OR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION. THIS OVERLY BROAD AND VAGUE DEFINITION IS LIKELY TO CAUSE PLATFORMS TO CENSOR DISCUSSIONS ON THESE IMPORTANT TOPICS TO AVOID PENALTIES. IN FEBRUARY 2025, THE DISTRICT COURT GRANTED A PARTIAL PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION, ENJOINING THE STATE FROM ENFORCING THE LAW'S MONITORING-AND-FILTERING REQUIREMENTS. AS OF JULY 2025, FIRE IS PREPARING TO LITIGATE TEXAS' APPEAL TO THE FIFTH CIRCUIT. THIS LITIGATION FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING ONLINE DISCOURSE FROM SWEEPING CENSORSHIP, PREVENTING THE GOVERNMENT FROM SILENCING VITAL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES UNDER THE GUISE OF "PROTECTING" MINORS. 23. MASTRIANO V. GREGORY, CASE 5:24-CV-00567-F (W.D. OKLA.): WE ARE DEFENDING MILITARY HISTORIAN JAMES P. GREGORY JR. AGAINST A DEFAMATION SUIT FILED BY PENNSYLVANIA POLITICIAN DOUGLAS MASTRIANO. THE SUIT STEMS FROM GREGORY'S CRITICISM OF MASTRIANO'S ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP. IN THIS TEXTBOOK STRATEGIC LAWSUIT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (SLAPP), MASTRIANO ALSO BRINGS FEDERAL RICO AND ANTITRUST CLAIMS. WE'RE MOVING TO DISMISS THE LAWSUIT AND ARE SEEKING SANCTIONS AGAINST MASTRIANO FOR FILING A SLAPP. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY STANDING UP AGAINST ABUSIVE LAWSUITS THAT SEEK TO SILENCE CRITICS, PROTECTING SCHOLARS, JOURNALISTS, AND CITIZENS FROM COSTLY INTIMIDATION TACTICS DESIGNED TO CHILL SPEECH. 24. MASSIE V. CITY OF SURPRISE, AZ, CASE 2:24-CV-02276 (D. ARIZ.): WE REPRESENT CITY OF SURPRISE, ARIZONA, RESIDENTS REBEKAH MASSIE AND QUINTUS SCHULZKE. DURING A CITY COUNCIL MEETING, MASSIE CRITICIZED A PROPOSED PAY RAISE FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY. THE MAYOR INTERRUPTED HER, CITING A CITY POLICY BANNING "COMPLAINTS" ABOUT CITY EMPLOYEES DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND WARNED HER ABOUT "ATTACKING THE CITY ATTORNEY PERSONALLY." AFTER MASSIE ASSERTED HER FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS, MAYOR HALL ORDERED POLICE TO REMOVE HER. MASSIE WAS DETAINED AND ARRESTED IN FRONT OF HER TEN-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. FOLLOWING OUR LAWSUIT CHALLENGING MASSIE'S ARREST AND THE POLICY, THE CITY REPEALED THE POLICY. ON OCTOBER 23, 2024, MASSIE'S CRIMINAL CHARGES WERE DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE. WE AMENDED THE COMPLAINT TO ADD STATE LAW CLAIMS TO HOLD THE CITY, MAYOR, AND ARRESTING OFFICER FULLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR VIOLATING MASSIE'S FIRST AND FOURTH AMENDMENT RIGHTS. AS OF JULY 2025, FIRE IS AWAITING THE COURT'S RULING ON THE CITY'S MOTION TO DISMISS. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY HOLDING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE FOR SILENCING CRITICS AT PUBLIC MEETINGS, REAFFIRMING THAT CITIZENS MUST REMAIN FREE TO CHALLENGE THEIR LEADERS WITHOUT FEAR OF ARREST OR RETALIATION. 25. RIENZIE V. HAALAND, CASE 0:24-CV-00266 (D. WYOM.): IN DECEMBER 2024, FIRE FILED A LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF ALEX RIENZIE, CONNOR BURKESMITH, AND THE NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION (WHICH REPRESENTS APPROXIMATELY 5,000 VISUAL JOURNALISTS), SEEKING TO BLOCK THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FROM ENFORCING ITS PERMIT AND FEE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILMING ON FEDERAL LANDS, INCLUDING IN PLACES THE PUBLIC IS OTHERWISE LAWFULLY ENTITLED TO ENTER. THE DAY AFTER THE FILING, A LONG-GESTATING REPEAL OF THE LAW FINALLY PASSED, YIELDING EFFECTIVELY THE SAME RELIEF SOUGHT IN THE LAWSUIT. THIS CASE FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING THE ABILITY OF JOURNALISTS AND CREATORS TO RECORD AND SHARE INFORMATION OBTAINED IN PUBLIC SPACES, ENSURING THAT THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT RESTRICT LAWFUL NEWSGATHERING AND DOCUMENTATION THROUGH UNCONSTITUTIONAL PERMITTING SCHEMES. 26. JENSEN V. BROWN, CASE 23-2545 (9TH CIR.): FIRE REPRESENTED LARS JENSEN, A MATH PROFESSOR AT TRUCKEE MEADOWS COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN NEVADA, FOR THE LIMITED PURPOSE OF PRESENTING ORAL ARGUMENT IN HIS FEDERAL APPEAL. JENSEN SUED AFTER ADMINISTRATORS PUNISHED HIM FOR DISTRIBUTING HANDOUTS CRITICAL OF HIS COLLEGE'S ACADEMIC STANDARDS TO COLLEAGUES DURING A BREAK AT A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION. DUE TO THE HANDOUTS, JENSEN RECEIVED UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS, AND ADMINISTRATORS SOUGHT TO TERMINATE HIS EMPLOYMENT. JENSEN KEPT HIS JOB BUT SUED, SEEKING AN ORDER THAT THE COLLEGE EXPUNGE THE NEGATIVE RECORDS FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT FILE AND CHANGE HIS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS TO "EXCELLENT." IN NOVEMBER 2024, FIRE TOOK OVER FOR PRIOR COUNSEL AND ARGUED JENSEN'S CASE BEFORE THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT. IN MARCH 2025, THE NINTH CIRCUIT RULED IN JENSEN'S FAVOR, HOLDING HE PLEADED A VIABLE FIRST AMENDMENT CLAIM AND THAT THE ADMINISTRATORS COULD NOT SHOW, AT THE MOTION TO DISMISS STAGE, THAT THEIR INTERESTS OUTWEIGHED JENSEN'S. THE COURT ALSO HELD JENSEN'S FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS WERE CLEARLY ESTABLISHED AND THAT THE ADMINISTRATORS WERE, THEREFORE, NOT ENTITLED TO QUALIFIED IMMUNITY AT THE MOTION TO DISMISS STAGE. THIS CASE FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY FIGHTING TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF FACULTY TO CRITICIZE INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES, REINFORCING THAT ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND DISSENTING SPEECH ARE PROTECTED UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT. 27. FIRST AMENDMENT COALITION V. CHIU, CASE 3:24-CV-08343 (N.D. CA.): FIRE IS CHALLENGING CALIFORNIA'S STATUTE THAT PROHIBITS ANY PERSON OR ENTITY FROM PUBLISHING A SEALED ARREST REPORT OR SHARING ANY INFORMATION "RELATING TO" THE INCIDENT REPORT AND ALLOWS THE STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL, DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, AND CITY ATTORNEYS TO IMPOSE FINANCIAL PENALTIES ON ANY PERSON WHO SHARES THAT INFORMATION. IN THE FALL OF 2024, THE CITY ATTORNEY OF SAN FRANCISCO SENT THREE LETTERS DEMANDING THAT A JOURNALIST AND HIS WEBSITE HOST, SUBSTACK, REMOVE REPORTING ON AN ARREST REPORT DOCUMENTING THE ARREST OF A CONTROVERSIAL TECH CEO. THE STATUTE AND SAN FRANCISCO'S THREATS TO ENFORCE IT CHILLED THE SPEECH OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT COALITION (FAC) AND PROF. EUGENE VOLOKH. FAC AND VOLOKH FREQUENTLY COMMENT ON CENSORSHIP THREATS LIKE THOSE POSED BY SAN FRANCISCO AND THE EXECUTIVE, BUT THE STATUTE PROHIBITED THEM FROM DISCUSSING ANYTHING "RELATING TO" THE ARREST REPORT, INFORMATION THAT WAS ALREADY IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. SO, IN NOVEMBER 2024, FIRE SUED CALIFORNIA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE SAN FRANCISCO CITY ATTORNEY TO PREVENT THEM FROM ENFORCING THE STATUTE. IN DECEMBER 2024, CALIFORNIA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE SAN FRANCISCO CITY ATTORNEY AGREED TO A COURT ORDER PROHIBITING ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW WHILE THE LAWSUIT IS PENDING. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY ENSURING JOURNALISTS AND COMMENTATORS CAN PUBLISH TRUTHFUL INFORMATION ABOUT MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN, PROTECTING AGAINST GOVERNMENT ATTEMPTS TO SUPPRESS SPEECH ALREADY IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 28. TRUMP V. SELZER, CASE CVCV069420 (S.D. IOWA): AFTER IOWA POLLSTER J. ANN SELZER PUT OUT AN INACCURATE POLL DAYS BEFORE THE NOVEMBER PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PREDICTING KAMALA HARRIS WOULD HANDILY WIN THE STATE, PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FILED A PUNITIVE LAWSUIT AGAINST HER AND THE DES MOINES REGISTER, ARGUING THAT PUBLISHING A POLL PREDICTING HARRIS IN THE LEAD AMOUNTED TO "CONSUMER FRAUD." TRUMP SEEKS TRIPLE MONETARY DAMAGES AND AN INJUNCTION AGAINST FUTURE "DECEPTIVE" POLLS. FIRE CAME TO SELZER'S DEFENSE, PROVIDING HER FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION, THUS HELPING MITIGATE THE HARM OF SLAPPS (STRATEGIC LAWSUITS AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION) BY TAKING SELZER'S NEED TO PAY ATTORNEYS' FEES OFF THE TABLE (THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF IOWA'S ANTI-SLAPP STATUTE POST-DATED THE LAWSUIT). THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY PROTECTING JOURNALISTS AND POLLSTERS FROM RETALIATORY LAWSUITS, AFFIRMING THAT POLITICAL FIGURES, NO MATTER HOW PROMINENT, CANNOT WEAPONIZE THE COURTS TO PUNISH UNFAVORABLE REPORTING. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C 29. DONNELLY V. DES MOINES REGISTER, ET AL., CASE 4:25-CV-00150 (S.D. IOWA): THIS CASE FILED BY "CENTER FOR AMERICAN RIGHTS" IS A TAGALONG PUTATIVE CLASS ACTION AGAINST SELZER AND THE DES MOINES REGISTER. IN THIS SUIT, PLAINTIFF DENNIS DONNELLY CLAIMS HE AND EVERY SUBSCRIBER TO THE REGISTER IS ENTITLED TO A REFUND OF THEIR SUBSCRIPTION FEES, ARGUING THAT NEWSPAPERS CAN BE LIABLE IF POLLS DON'T MATCH LATER RESULTS, AND THAT READERS CAN HOLD JOURNALISTS AND POLLSTERS LIABLE FOR "PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE." AS WITH TRUMP'S SUIT, THIS IS A SLAPP IN WHICH FIRE IS PROVIDING SELZER LEGAL REPRESENTATION. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY RESISTING ATTEMPTS TO HOLD JOURNALISTS UNJUSTLY LIABLE FOR THEIR COVERAGE OF ELECTIONS, ENSURING THAT NEWS OUTLETS AND POLLSTERS REMAIN FREE TO INFORM THE PUBLIC WITHOUT FEAR OF RETALIATORY LITIGATION. 30. LUTTRELL V. CITY OF GERMANTOWN, TN, CASE 2:25-CV-02153 (W.D. TENN.): FIRE REPRESENTED ALEXIS LUTTRELL, A GERMANTOWN, TENNESSEE, RESIDENT WHO INSTALLED LARGER-THAN-LIFE LAWN SKELETONS AT HER HOME FOR HALLOWEEN, THEN REDECORATED THEM FOR DIFFERENT ENSUING HOLIDAYS, EARNING A CITATION FROM GERMANTOWN FOR VIOLATING AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING DISPLAYS ON RESIDENTS'S PRIVATE PROPERTY MORE THAN 45 DAYS BEFORE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE "INTENDED" HOLIDAY. FIRE CHALLENGED THE ORDINANCE IN FEDERAL COURT AS A VIEWPOINT-DISCRIMINATORY, CONTENT-BASED, AND VAGUE REGULATION THAT VIOLATES LUTTRELL'S AND OTHER RESIDENTS' FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS. IN THE WEEKS AFTER FIRE FILED THIS LAWSUIT, GERMANTOWN DISMISSED LUTTRELL'S CITATION, INTRODUCED THE POTENTIAL REPEAL OF THE ORDINANCE AT ITS TOWN BOARD MEETING, AND AGREED TO NOT ENFORCE THE ORDINANCE WHILE IT CONSIDERS REPEAL. THE CITY ALSO AGREED TO PAY $24,999, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THE MAYOR CAN AUTHORIZE UNILATERALLY, TO FULLY SETTLE THE CASE. THIS CASE FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY DEFENDING CITIZENS' RIGHTS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES CREATIVELY ON THEIR OWN PROPERTY, PREVENTING THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING VAGUE AND CONTENT-BASED RESTRICTIONS ON PRIVATE EXPRESSION. 31. TEXAS A&M QUEER EMPOWERMENT COUNCIL V. MAHOMES, CASE 4:25-CV-00992 (S.D. TEX.): IN FEBRUARY 2025, THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTED A VIEWPOINT-BASED RESOLUTION BANNING DRAG SHOWS ON ALL 11 A&M CAMPUSES. IN MARCH, FIRE FILED A LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF LGBTQ+ STUDENT GROUP QUEER EMPOWERMENT COUNCIL, SEEKING A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AGAINST THE RESOLUTION TO ENSURE THE GROUP'S MARCH 27 PRODUCTION OF ITS ANNUAL PAGEANT, DRAGGIELAND, COULD GO ON AS PLANNED. THE COURT HEARD ORAL ARGUMENT ON THE MOTION IN MARCH AND, THAT SAME MONTH, GRANTED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION BLOCKING ENFORCEMENT OF THE DRAG BAN, EXPLAINING THAT THE FIRST AMENDMENT'S PROTECTION FOR SPEECH WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN LIGHT OF "EFFORTS FROM ALL SIDES OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM TO DISRUPT OR PREVENT STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND OTHERS FROM EXPRESSING OPINIONS AND SPEECH" THEY VIEW AS "OFFENSIVE OR WRONG." DRAGGIELAND WENT FORWARD AS PLANNED. THIS CASE FURTHERED FIRE'S MISSION BY ENSURING STUDENTS CAN HOST EXPRESSIVE EVENTS WITHOUT VIEWPOINT-BASED INTERFERENCE, AFFIRMING THAT EVEN CONTROVERSIAL PERFORMANCES ARE ENTITLED TO THE FULL PROTECTION OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT. 32. COBLE V. BALLENTINE, CASE P25-502 (N.C. COURT OF APPEALS): FIRE IS REPRESENTING CLAYTON BALLENTINE IN APPEALING A CIVIL NO-CONTACT ORDER PROHIBITING HIM FROM SPEAKING OR PUBLISHING THE NAME OF, OR MAKING "INFERENTIAL REFERENCES" TO BEVERLY COBLE, WHO HAD INDICATED HER INTENTION TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF THEIR TOWN PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF THE ORDER. THIS CASE FURTHERS FIRE'S MISSION BY CHALLENGING PRIOR RESTRAINTS THAT PREVENT CITIZENS FROM DISCUSSING POLITICAL CANDIDATES, REINFORCING THAT THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT SILENCE SPEECH ABOUT THOSE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE. FROM JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025, FIRE PARTICIPATED AS AMICUS CURIAE IN THE FOLLOWING 40 CASES: 1. U.S. NEWS V. CHIU 2. KESTENBAUM V. HARVARD 3. LACKEY V. STINNIE 4. LEROY V. LIVINGSTON MANOR CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 5. UNIV. OF MD. STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE V. BD. OF REGENTS 6. NETCHOICE V. FITCH 7. ANDERSON V. TIKTOK 8. UVT STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE V. UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT 9. SPEECH FIRST V. WHITTEN 10. JOHNSON V. WATKINS 11. L.M. V. TOWN OF MIDDLEBOROUGH 12. BARRED BUSINESS V. KEMP 13. E.G. V. M.L - DEPUBLICATION REQUEST 14. CHARLIE KRATOVIL ADV. NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE CHIEF ANTHONY CAPUTO 15. TIKTOK V. GARLAND 16. SALAAM V. TRUMP 17. SULLIVAN V. TEXAS ETHICS COMM'N 18. NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF TEXAS V. CITY OF ARLINGTON, TEXAS 19. HARVEY V. NETFLIX 20. UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO YOUNG AMERICANS FOR FREEDOM V. UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO STUDENT ASSOCIATION INC. 21. GEORGIA ASS'N OF CLUB EXECUTIVES, INC. V. STATE OF GEORGIA 22. MCCALEB V. LONG 23. KHALIL V. TRUMP 24. HORWITZ V. U.S. DIST. CT. 25. PERKINS COIE V. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 26. LIBBY V. FECTEAU 27. SHERZAD V. PETTIGREW 28. WILMERHALE V. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 29. JENNER & BLOCK V. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 30. ATLAS DATA PRIVACY CORP. V DELVEPOINT ET AL. 31. SUSMAN GODFREY V. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 32. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS V. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 33. OZTURK V. HYDE 34. GRANT V. TRIAL COURT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 35. NETCHOICE V. BROWN 36. WUOTI V. WINTERS 37. HARVARD V. U.S. DEP'T HEALTH & HUMAN SERVS. 38. U.S. V. LACEY 39. CROOKSHANKS V. ELIZABETH SCH. DIST. 40. GARCIA V. CHARACTER TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHED IN 2021, FIRE'S FACULTY LEGAL DEFENSE FUND (FLDF) VINDICATES THE EXPRESSIVE AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM RIGHTS OF FACULTY AT PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. FLDF IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE "FIRST RESPONDER" LEGAL HELP AT NO COST TO FACULTY MEMBERS WHOSE NEED IS WITHIN THE PROGRAM'S MANDATE. WHETHER FACULTY FACE PUNISHMENT FROM THEIR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS FOR THEIR INSTRUCTION, SCHOLARSHIP, OR SPEECH ON ISSUES OF PUBLIC CONCERN AS PRIVATE CITIZENS, FIRE'S FLDF STAFF QUICKLY REVIEW CONCERNS AND, WHERE NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE, CONNECT FACULTY WITH EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS NEARBY FOR ASSISTANCE. WHERE THESE REFERRALS ARE MADE, FLDF PAYS THE LAWYERS' FEES FOR INITIAL LEGAL WORK LIKE ADVISING ON POSSIBLE COURSES OF ACTION OR HELPING RESOLVE DISPUTES WITH THE INSTITUTION OR ADMINISTRATORS. SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2021, THE FLDF HAS REFERRED 75 CASES TO FLDF ATTORNEYS AND SECURED 46 VICTORIES. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 8B THERE ARE NO COMMITTEES WITH AUTHORITY TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNING BODY. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING COMPILES ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE FORM 990 WHICH IS PREPARED BY AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM. MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND PRESIDENT/CEO, REVIEW THE FORM IN DETAIL. IN ADDITION, A COMPLETE COPY OF THE FORM 990 IS PROVIDED TO ALL BOARD MEMBERS FOR REVIEW PRIOR TO ITS FILING WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL UNDERTAKE A REVIEW OF THE MATTER BY MAKING ALL NECESSARY INQUIRIES DEEMED WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. AN APPROPRIATE ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSE SHALL BE DETERMINED BY DISINTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE ORGANIZATION REVIEWS BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL VENDORS ANNUALLY. CONFLICTS INVOLVING EMPLOYEES ARE RESOLVED BY THE PRESIDENT. CONFLICTS INVOLVING THE PRESIDENT OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. PROCEEDINGS ARE DOCUMENTED IN A MEMO OR MINUTES AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THERE IS A RECURRING AGENDA ITEM AT THE ANNUAL BOARD MEETING TO ASK FOR ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICTS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONDUCTS A COMPENSATION STUDY AND USES OTHER COMPARATIVE DATA AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW TO DETERMINE APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND CEO. THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORTS FINDINGS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES THE COMPENSATION PACKAGE. THE DELIBERATION AND FINAL DECISION ARE DOCUMENTED TIMELY AS PART OF THE COMMITTEE AND BOARD MINUTES. THE PROCESS DESCRIBED HERE WAS LAST COMPLETED IN 2024. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE. THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS ARE NOT MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.