Foundations
Here's a look at documents from U.S. foundations
Featured Stories
PAN Opens Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis Copay Fund
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The PAN Foundation issued the following news on Dec. 16, 2025:
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PAN opens metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) copay fund
Today, the PAN Foundation announced the opening of its financial assistance copay program designed to help with out-of-pocket medication costs for eligible patients living with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
PAN's MASH copay assistance program provides a grant of $2,100 for out-of-pocket expenses for covered medications. If patients need more assistance within the same 12-month period and the fund is
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 -- The PAN Foundation issued the following news on Dec. 16, 2025:
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PAN opens metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) copay fund
Today, the PAN Foundation announced the opening of its financial assistance copay program designed to help with out-of-pocket medication costs for eligible patients living with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
PAN's MASH copay assistance program provides a grant of $2,100 for out-of-pocket expenses for covered medications. If patients need more assistance within the same 12-month period and the fund isopen, they can apply for additional funding, receiving up to $4,200 total per year.
MASH is a serious liver condition that develops when there is a buildup of fat in your liver that causes inflammation. MASH was previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 9 in 15 adults in the U.S. have MASH, and MASH prevalence is projected to increase by 63 percent by 2030. MASH is currently the leading cause of liver transplants.
"MASH is a debilitating disease affecting millions of people every day. PAN's MASH fund brings real-time, measurable relief to patients facing soaring medication costs," said Kevin L. Hagan, PAN's President and CEO. "In 2020, we established this high-need disease area and we are grateful to our partners and donors whose generosity makes this kind of patient support possible. We are also proud to offer our patients additional support services through the American Liver Foundation, one of our valued and longstanding alliance partners."
The American Liver Foundation offers various resources, including education, support programs, transplant information, and research related to liver health, including MASH.
"This fund reflects our shared commitment to breaking down barriers to care across liver diseases," said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of the American Liver Foundation. "We're proud to partner with the PAN Foundation to help offer patients support at each step of their treatment journey."
Eligibility requirements
To get copay assistance for MASH, patients must:
* Be receiving treatment for MASH
* Reside and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories (U.S. citizenship is not a requirement)
* Have government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare) that covers the qualifying medication or product
* Take a medication or product listed on PAN's comprehensive list of covered medications
* Have a household income that falls at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level
Check your eligibility
How to apply
You can apply online through the PAN portal or by phone. We encourage you to apply online through the PAN portal, but if you prefer to apply by phone, call us at 1-866-316-7263 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Healthcare professionals can apply online through the PAN portal or by phone on behalf of their patients.
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Other patient support services at PAN
Connect with our alliance partner, the American Liver Foundation
PAN partners with leading patient advocacy groups that help support the entire patient journey. Every patient who reaches out to PAN for financial assistance can request to connect with our alliance partner organizations, who will contact the patient directly to offer additional support and resources. Our MASH alliance partner, the American Liver Foundation, helps provide current news and information on a variety of liver-related topics helping patients, friends and families affected by liver disease. Learn more at liverfoundation.org.
Sign up for FundFinder
Developed by the PAN Foundation, FundFinder is a free website that helps you track more than 200 patient assistance funds from nine charitable organizations. You can sign up for free email or text alerts when a disease assistance fund you're interested in opens at PAN or another organization. Learn more and sign up today.
Get information about clinical trials
Whether you have questions about the clinical trial process or need help using our trial finder to explore nearby options, our warm and knowledgeable ComPANion Access Navigators are just a phone call away. They can answer your questions, equip you with conversation starters, assist you in finding trials, and help you sign up for trial alerts. Call us at 1-855-329-5969 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Apply for a transportation grant
PAN grant recipients may also qualify for transportation assistance to allow them to get to and from activities that improve their overall health outcomes, including healthcare services, social connections and support, and more. If the fund is closed, we encourage you to join the wait list to be notified when the fund re-opens.
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About the PAN Foundation
As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics--all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.
Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.3 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we've achieved major policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We're committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. Learn more at PANFoundation.org.
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Original text here: https://www.panfoundation.org/pan-opens-metabolic-dysfunction-associated-steatohepatitis-mash-copay-fund/
Central New York Community Foundation: $325,000 in Grants Awarded to Uplift and Serve Black Communities
SYRACUSE, New York, Dec. 17 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release:
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$325,000 in Grants Awarded to Uplift and Serve Black Communities
The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded $325,000 in Black Equity & Excellence Fund grants to support community-led projects that uplift and strengthen Black communities across the region.
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The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed 15 grants totaling $325,000 from its Black Equity & Excellence Fund. Grants from the fund support community-based projects that center, uplift and serve
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SYRACUSE, New York, Dec. 17 -- The Central New York Community Foundation issued the following news release:
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$325,000 in Grants Awarded to Uplift and Serve Black Communities
The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded $325,000 in Black Equity & Excellence Fund grants to support community-led projects that uplift and strengthen Black communities across the region.
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The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed 15 grants totaling $325,000 from its Black Equity & Excellence Fund. Grants from the fund support community-based projects that center, uplift and serveBlack communities in Central New York by addressing economic and social disparities caused by historic marginalization. This round also marks the first time the fund has awarded a multi-year commitment, with Jubilee Homes receiving the inaugural three-year grant to support its workforce development efforts.
100 Black Men of Syracuse - $25,000
Support the Future 100 program, which empowers high school students with essential life skills to help them succeed in college, careers and community leadership
Advance Student Resource Systems - $10,000
Support the DriveSafe Robotics and E-Gaming & Careers initiative, which introduces students to technology and workforce pathways in emerging industries
AI Sustainable Development Group - $25,000
Support the Central New York Ethical AI Creators Lab, fostering equitable access to artificial intelligence education and innovation
Blueprint 15 - $35,000
Hire residents as expert advisors and engagement specialists for the Neighborhood Navigators program, deepening community input and trust in revitalization efforts
Dunbar Association - $30,000
Develop and present a youth-driven curriculum on racism and bias in the legal system, promoting awareness and dialogue among young people
Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now (FAHNN) - $10,000
Establish a wellness hub featuring a food pantry, specialty market, full-service kitchen, community garden and nutrition education programs to expand access to healthy food
Nourish Syracuse - $42,000
Launch a series of food education workshops and community initiatives in partnership with Cafe Sankofa to promote sustainable nutrition and food justice
Image Initiative - $5,500
Support the Sisters Empowering Sisters conference, a two-day event for young women that features panel discussions on health, leadership and relationships
Jubilee Homes - $25,000
Provide the first year of a three-year general operating support grant to strengthen its workforce development training center, which connects residents with job skills, coaching and pathways to employment
Life Achievers 308 - $12,500
Launch a workshop series centered on fatherhood and brotherhood to strengthen family engagement and mentorship among men of color
Me/We Creative Arts Lab & Community Studio - $10,000
Launch Black Seed Groundwork, an arts-based wellness initiative that supports Black artists, fosters healing and builds creative community connections
OptionZero - $10,000
Host adaptive fitness programs designed for senior citizens and people with disabilities, encouraging inclusion and active living
Syracuse City Ballet - $25,000
Support Dance for All: Building Community through Movement, an initiative that offers free dance classes, performances and workshops to increase access to the arts
Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility | Syracuse Community Connections - $25,000
Support the E-Sports Academy after-school program, helping youth strengthen critical thinking, teamwork and academic performance through gaming
Syracuse STEM NSBE - $35,000
Host the Syracuse STEM Design Challenge competition, inspiring youth to explore science, technology, engineering and math careers through hands-on learning
The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region's greatest needs. The Community Foundation has invested more than $320 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time. Learn more at cnycf.org
The Community Foundation's Black Equity & Excellence Fund, launched in 2020, is designed to fund community-based projects that center, uplift and serve Black communities in Central New York by addressing economic and social disparities caused by historic marginalization. The fund is dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency, economic development, and community empowerment. Learn more at cnycf.org/equity.
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Original text here: https://cnycf.org/325000-in-grants-awarded-to-uplift-and-serve-black-communities/
NFWF Announces More Than $13 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Alabama
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation posted the following news release:
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NFWF Announces More Than $13 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Alabama
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the award of more than $13 million in obligations from its Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) for one new project and one amendment for projects in the state of Alabama. Developed in consultation with state and federal resource agencies, the projects are designed to remedy harm and reduce the risk
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation posted the following news release:
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NFWF Announces More Than $13 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Alabama
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the award of more than $13 million in obligations from its Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) for one new project and one amendment for projects in the state of Alabama. Developed in consultation with state and federal resource agencies, the projects are designed to remedy harm and reduce the riskof future harm to natural resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
"Today's announcement represents the continuation of significant GEBF investments to benefit natural resources affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the state of Alabama." said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "These efforts not only restore and conserve vital habitats but also strengthen local economies and support livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation appreciates the continued collaboration of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, federal resource agency partners and implementing partners in advancing significant conservation and restoration projects that benefit natural resources in the state of Alabama."
The new award will restore the rapidly eroding shoreline of Little Dauphin Island, protecting approximately 850 acres of conservation land within the Little Dauphin Island Unit of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and supporting water quality improvements in Dauphin Island Bay. The amendment will allow for the construction of additional breakwaters and restoration of up to 30 acres of marsh habitat at Salt Aire on the western shore of Mobile Bay.
"I am excited for the funding for these two projects in Coastal Alabama," said Alabama Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship. "Restoration of Little Dauphin Island is critical for the protection of Dauphin Island Bay and the adjoining marshes and bird habitat and the additional work at Salt Aire builds on previous investments in this beautiful, undeveloped area on Mobile Bay's Western Shore."
Additional information on the new awards and all projects in the Gulf Coast region can be found here.
Projects are developed for GEBF consideration following extensive consultation with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation's largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,300 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of $11.3 billion. Learn more at nfwf.org.
Contact:
Matt Winter, 202-857-0166, matt.winter@nfwf.org
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Original text here: https://www.nfwf.org/media-center/press-releases/nfwf-announces-more-13-million-new-awards-restoration-projects-alabama
NFWF Announces More Than $11 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Florida
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation posted the following news release:
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NFWF Announces More Than $11 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Florida
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the award of more than $11 million in obligations from its Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) for one new project and two amendment for projects in the state of Florida. Developed in consultation with state and federal resource agencies, the projects are designed to remedy harm and reduce the risk
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation posted the following news release:
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NFWF Announces More Than $11 Million in New Awards for Restoration Projects in Florida
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the award of more than $11 million in obligations from its Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) for one new project and two amendment for projects in the state of Florida. Developed in consultation with state and federal resource agencies, the projects are designed to remedy harm and reduce the riskof future harm to natural resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
"Today's announcement represents the continuation of significant GEBF investments to benefit natural resources affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the state of Florida," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "These efforts not only restore and conserve vital habitats but also strengthen local economies and support livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation appreciates the continued collaboration of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, federal resource agency partners and implementing partners in advancing significant conservation and restoration projects that benefit natural resources in the state of Florida."
The new award will expand successful lighting retrofits to priority sea turtle nesting beaches at the Archie Carr and Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuges, while the amendments will allow for the completion of the previously awarded White Island restoration in Pensacola Bay, and the previously funded dune restoration work in the Florida Panhandle.
Additional information on the new awards and all projects in the Gulf Coast can be found here.
Projects are developed for GEBF consideration following extensive consultation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation's largest conservation foundation. Since its founding, NFWF has funded more than 23,300 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of $11.3 billion. Learn more at nfwf.org.
Contact:
Matt Winter, 202-857-0166, matt.winter@nfwf.org
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Original text here: https://www.nfwf.org/media-center/press-releases/nfwf-announces-more-11-million-new-awards-restoration-projects-florida
Florida Freight Workers Send Teamsters Local 512 Union Bosses Packing
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Dec. 16 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release:
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Florida Freight Workers Send Teamsters Local 512 Union Bosses Packing
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Joining growing number of workers across America that are freed from Teamsters' so-called "representation"
Jacksonville, FL (December 16, 2025) - Torrence Rivera, an employee of Parsec, Inc, and his colleagues have freed themselves from the control of Teamsters Local 512 union bosses. Parsec withdrew recognition of the Teamsters after workers presented the company with a petition demonstrating
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Dec. 16 -- The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation posted the following news release:
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Florida Freight Workers Send Teamsters Local 512 Union Bosses Packing
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Joining growing number of workers across America that are freed from Teamsters' so-called "representation"
Jacksonville, FL (December 16, 2025) - Torrence Rivera, an employee of Parsec, Inc, and his colleagues have freed themselves from the control of Teamsters Local 512 union bosses. Parsec withdrew recognition of the Teamsters after workers presented the company with a petition demonstratinga majority of the workers opposed the union and demanding Parsec cease recognition of the Teamsters as the workers' monopoly bargaining "representative."
Prior to the workers' request for the employer to cease recognizing the Teamsters, Rivera filed a "decertification" petition signed by a majority of his 110-member work unit, seeking a secret ballot election to oust the Teamsters from their facility. Rivera's decertification petition was filed at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) with free legal aid from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorneys.
Rivera was able to petition his employer under the Right To Work Foundation-won Johnson Controls decision, which allows an employer to withdraw recognition from a union when presented with evidence of worker disaffection. Under federal law it is illegal for an employer to engage in monopoly bargaining with a union that lacks the support of a majority of workers in the bargaining unit.
The NLRB is the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal labor law, a task that includes administering votes to install (or "certify") and remove (or "decertify") unions in workplaces. The election would have taken place among all full-time and regular part-time drivers, operators, groundmen, and leads, employed by Parsec at its Jacksonville, Florida, facility. Since the employees are now free of the union, the decertification election petition has been withdrawn.
Rivera and his fellow independent-minded workers are the latest in a growing number of workers that have sought relief from Teamsters representation. They are joined by others in Florida, Texas, Kentucky, and many more across the United States and its territories.
"We are encouraged that Rivera and his colleagues were able to exercise what are limited rights under federal labor law, and that they were able to eliminate Teamsters affiliation they oppose," commented National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix. "Though these workers were able to free themselves, too often employees find themselves trapped by NLRB-invented policies and fighting for months or even years just to hold a decertification election.
"With the Senate expected to confirm new NLRB members any day, we hope the incoming Board majority will take the true pro-worker position and move to end the numerous non-statutory policies that are currently used to undermine workers' statutory right to remove unwanted union 'representation,'" added Mix.
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The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in about 200 cases nationwide per year.
Posted on Dec 16, 2025 in News Releases
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Original text here: https://www.nrtw.org/news/florida-freight-workers-teamsters-12162025/
Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Elects 2026 Officers, Welcomes New Trustees
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation posted the following news release:
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Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Elects 2026 Officers, Welcomes New Trustees
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The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (Foundation) announces the 2026 officers of its Board of Trustees (Board). Board Officers serving are Miles Herman, CEO, LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. as Chair; Jeffrey Dicosola, Sales Manager, Great American Insurance Group as Vice Chair; Peter Bullen, EVP & Group Head, Key Equipment Finance as Secretary/Treasurer; and Leigh Lytle, President and CEO, Equipment
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation posted the following news release:
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Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Elects 2026 Officers, Welcomes New Trustees
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The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (Foundation) announces the 2026 officers of its Board of Trustees (Board). Board Officers serving are Miles Herman, CEO, LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. as Chair; Jeffrey Dicosola, Sales Manager, Great American Insurance Group as Vice Chair; Peter Bullen, EVP & Group Head, Key Equipment Finance as Secretary/Treasurer; and Leigh Lytle, President and CEO, EquipmentLeasing & Finance Association (ELFA) as President. Zack Marsh, CLFP, SVP, Accounting and Analysis, AP Equipment Financing is Immediate Past Chair. The officer elections were held during the Board's recent governance meeting.
New members appointed to the Foundation Board of Trustees include Mark Bonanno, President and CRO, North Mill Equipment Finance; Jennifer Martin, CLFP, Chief Product Officer, LTi Technology Solutions; and Jill McKean-Bilby, Equipment Finance Sales Executive, Huntington Equipment Finance.
"This is a pivotal time for the Foundation with tremendous opportunity ahead, and we are fortunate to have the leadership, professional expertise, and dedication of our Trustees to guide the Foundation in 2026," said Miles Herman. "We deeply appreciate their commitment to our mission of advancing the equipment finance industry and supporting the success of all who are part of it."
Trustees continuing on the Board for 2026 are:
* Andrew Blacklock, Vice President, Strategy and Business Operations, Cisco Systems Capital Corporation
* Jim DeFrank, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Isuzu Finance of America, Inc.
* Cindy Fleck, CLFP, Chief Revenue Officer, Channel
* Shari Lipski, CLFP, Principal, ECS Financial Services, Inc.
* Mark Loken, Vice President, CoBank Farm Credit Leasing
* Eric McGriff, Chief Risk Officer, 36 th Street Capital
* David Normandin, CLFP, President and CEO, Wintrust Specialty Finance
* Brittany Ogden, Attorney, Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
* Ricardo E. Rios, CFA, CLFP, President & COO, Commercial Equipment Finance, Inc. (CEFI)
* William Tefft, Equipment Manager - Corporate Asset Finance, EverBank Corporate Asset Finance
* Shari Williams, Chief Risk Officer, Elevex Capital, LLC
Kelli Nienaber will continue to serve as Executive Director.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
X: https://twitter.com/LeaseFoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10989281/
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to advance the $1.3 trillion equipment finance sector by producing data-forward research and market outlooks, as well as cultivating the next-generation workforce through Campus to Career programs, including curriculum development and collegiate scholarships. Founded in 1989 and 100% funded through charitable donations, the Foundation drives innovation and career development for the future of the industry. www.leasefoundation.org
Media Contact: Kelli Nienaber, knienaber@leasefoundation.org
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Original text here: https://www.leasefoundation.org/news_item/equipment-leasing-finance-foundation-elects-2026-officers-welcomes-new-trustees/
2025 sets new record for attempts to silence student speech, FIRE research finds
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Dec. 16 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release:
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2025 sets new record for attempts to silence student speech, FIRE research finds
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PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 16, 2025 The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression reports a record number of campus incidents involving attempts to investigate, censor, or otherwise punish students for protected expression in 2025.
FIRE has documented 273 efforts so far this year in which students and student groups were targeted for their constitutionally protected expression. This
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Dec. 16 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release:
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2025 sets new record for attempts to silence student speech, FIRE research finds
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PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 16, 2025 The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression reports a record number of campus incidents involving attempts to investigate, censor, or otherwise punish students for protected expression in 2025.
FIRE has documented 273 efforts so far this year in which students and student groups were targeted for their constitutionally protected expression. Thisbreaks the previous record of 252 set back in 2020, the first year of the Students Under Fire database, during the unrest prompted by Covid-19 lockdowns and the murder of George Floyd.
"These findings paint a campus culture in which student expression is increasingly policed and controversial ideas are not tolerated," said FIRE Senior Researcher Logan Dougherty. "College is supposed to be a place where ideas are freely shared, not where students should be concerned about whether their comments will be subject to university scrutiny."
Some especially grievous incidents include the arrest of Columbia University pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil; Indiana University's censorship of its student newspaper (and firing of the director of student media) over an editorial dispute; the University of Alabama's decision to shutter two student outlets because they supposedly ran afoul of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's guidance about D.E.I. programs; and, for good measure, a student at Weber State University in Utah who was directed to censor a presentation about censorship.
FIRE's Students Under Fire tracking relies on publicly available information to document various details about these controversies, including but not limited to the source calling for punishment, the speech topic of controversy, and the political direction of the attempt in relation to the targeted speech. Consistent with other FIRE research, the Students Under Fire database observed an uptick in attempts by the political right to silence speech in 2025.
The database is unprecedented both in type and scale, offering the most detailed collection of campus controversies involving students' protected speech to date.
FIRE also noticed another troubling trend in 2025: A surge in attempts by government officials to influence how universities respond to student speech especially following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Some recent examples include:
* Indiana's attorney general urged constituents to pressure Indiana University to terminate a student from their campus job after they posted, "[T]he world just got a little better today" in response to Kirk's murder.
* Rep. Derrick Van Orden announced on X that he introduced legislation to strip federal funding from Oberlin College unless the university expelled a student over their social media activity, which included posting a video in which she said, "I don't feel bad" about the shooting and that "we need to bring back political assassinations."
* Texas state representatives demanded that the University of Texas at Austin investigate and ban a student group and expel its members from the university after the group posted images of an anti-Trump rally to Instagramincluding one showing a student holding a pinata of Donald Trump with its head split open.
We also saw executive orders at the state and federal level used as justification to impose system-wide bans on student-organized drag shows, cancel student film festivals, and outright disband numerous student groups.
In all these cases, students were targeted or punished not because their speech was unlawful but because it caused controversy.
"Aside from the harm on the individual students involved in these incidents, such actions could have the effect of chilling speech across an entire campus and across an entire generation," Dougherty said. "What kind of lesson is that? That the safest move in college is to keep your head down and your mouth shut?"
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought the most essential qualities of liberty. 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.
Karl de Vries, Director of Media Relations, FIRE: 215-717-3473; media@fire.org
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Original text here: https://www.thefire.org/news/2025-sets-new-record-attempts-silence-student-speech-fire-research-finds
