2027 Civic Leadership Institute
Freedom of Speech
A five-day program for Arizona high school students examining why freedom of speech matters, when speech may be restricted, and how Supreme Court decisions continue to shape public life.
About the Institute
One freedom. Five days of serious inquiry.
The 2027 Civic Leadership Institute focuses exclusively on freedom of speech. Students will study the principles behind this freedom, examine competing constitutional arguments, and apply legal ideas to difficult questions involving public order, schools, symbolic expression, and offensive speech.
Participants will work directly with primary sources and landmark Supreme Court opinions. The emphasis is not on memorizing a list of cases. Students will learn how to identify arguments, compare judicial reasoning, support conclusions with evidence, and engage respectfully with people who may disagree.
Central Questions
What does freedom of speech protect?
Students will investigate the values and tensions that have shaped American free-speech law.
Why protect speech?
How do open discussion, dissent, and the exchange of ideas contribute to individual liberty and democratic government?
When may speech be restricted?
When does protecting safety become an unconstitutional attempt to suppress an unpopular speaker or viewpoint?
When do words become unlawful action?
How have courts distinguished protected political advocacy from speech directed toward imminent lawless action?
Can conduct communicate an idea?
Students consider when actions, clothing, protest, and other forms of symbolic expression receive constitutional protection.
What rights do students have?
How should schools balance student expression with safety, discipline, and the educational mission?
Does offensive speech receive protection?
May government restrict an idea because listeners consider its message insulting, hateful, or deeply offensive?
The Program Reader
Ideas and cases that frame the discussion
Readings move from the philosophical case for open discussion to constitutional disputes about public order, incitement, symbolic expression, student speech, and viewpoint discrimination.
“Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion” introduces arguments about truth, disagreement, human fallibility, and the dangers of silencing opinions.
Students examine unpopular speech, public reaction, and the problem commonly described as the heckler’s veto.
These decisions provide contrasting approaches to advocacy, dangerous ideas, incitement, and the risk of unlawful action.
Students consider when conduct communicates a message and when government may regulate that conduct.
The case introduces student expression and the authority of public schools to prevent substantial disruption.
Students investigate offensive expression, viewpoint discrimination, and the distinction between private and government speech.
The Student Experience
Read. Question. Debate. Apply.
Each part of the program asks students to move beyond first impressions and support their conclusions with constitutional reasoning and evidence.
Study primary sources
Identify the main argument, supporting evidence, and constitutional principle in each reading.
Compare opinions
Examine how justices interpret facts, precedent, government power, and individual rights differently.
Practice civil dialogue
Ask questions, evaluate opposing arguments, and disagree without dismissing the people making those arguments.
Apply the law
Use constitutional principles and precedent to analyze a case and present a persuasive legal argument.
Who Should Apply
Eligibility and selection
- Arizona students entering grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in fall 2027
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75
- A grade of B or higher in a history or government course
- A teacher recommendation may be considered if the course-grade requirement is not met
- A statement of interest of no more than 250 words
- Interest in constitutional questions, public issues, and respectful discussion
Selection may also consider geographic representation from communities across Arizona.
Student Perspective
“CLI gave me the opportunity to explore challenging questions, hear different perspectives, and become more confident discussing important civic issues.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning for the Institute
Is the 2027 Institute about the entire First Amendment?
No. The 2027 program focuses specifically on freedom of speech. Other First Amendment freedoms are not the central subject of this Institute.
Do students need prior legal experience?
No. Students receive the readings and guidance needed to participate. Curiosity, preparation, and willingness to engage respectfully are more important than prior legal knowledge.
Is there a fee to attend?
No attendance fee is planned. Lunch and snacks are provided during the program.
Is housing provided?
The Institute is an in-person day program on ASU’s Tempe campus. Students should plan to travel to and from campus each day unless additional arrangements are announced.
When will applications open?
Application information is expected to be posted in January 2027.
Questions about the Institute?
Contact the Center for American Civics for program and application information.