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The University of Kentucky suspended a professor for criticizing Israel. Now, FIRE's Faculty Legal Defense Fund is stepping up to defend him. (8/7/25)

LAWSUIT: FIRE challenges unconstitutional provisions Rubio uses in crusade to deport legal immigrants over protected speech (8/6/25)

Foundations

Here's a look at documents from U.S. foundations

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SLF Announces Minnesota Legal Titan James Dickey as New Senior Attorney in Fight to Defend Constitutional Rights Across US

ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 13 -- The Southeastern Legal Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2025:

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SLF announces Minnesota legal titan James Dickey as new Senior Attorney in fight to defend constitutional rights across US

Today, the Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF), an organization of top attorneys that regularly defend constitutional rights, announced the hire of new senior attorney James Dickey. James will serve as a lead counsel on SLF's cases and craft strategies that defend the constitutional rights of Americans on many fronts, including protecting free speech, ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 13 -- The Southeastern Legal Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2025: * * * SLF announces Minnesota legal titan James Dickey as new Senior Attorney in fight to defend constitutional rights across US Today, the Southeastern Legal Foundation (SLF), an organization of top attorneys that regularly defend constitutional rights, announced the hire of new senior attorney James Dickey. James will serve as a lead counsel on SLF's cases and craft strategies that defend the constitutional rights of Americans on many fronts, including protecting free speech,securing property rights, reclaiming civil liberties, and restoring constitutional balance.

James has been a practicing attorney for over 12 years, having most recently served as a lead and later managing attorney at a Minnesota-based public interest law firm. Over the course of his career, James has achieved a wealth of experience as a trial and appellate lawyer. He has argued before the Minnesota Supreme Court and federal appeals courts more than a dozen times, has experience in several jury and bench trials, and has argued many hearings in both federal and state district courts. James has a deep commitment to fighting for sound public policy, having testified before state legislatures on matters he has litigated in the courts.

SLF President Kim Hermann said, "We could not be more grateful to welcome James Dickey to the team here at SLF! James brings a wealth of experience with him that will absolutely prove to be vital to this essential role. I have no doubt that James will be able to fit right in, working closely with senior leadership to strategize the best ways to fight for our clients, and ensure that they are given the best possible chance for success. Through his illustrious career, James has proven to have a commitment to fighting for liberty and that is exactly what we are looking for at SLF."

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Original text here: https://www.slfliberty.org/slf-announces-minnesota-legal-titan-james-dickey-as-new-senior-attorney-in-fight-to-defend-constitutional-rights-across-us/

Organizations Seek to Intervene in Lawsuit to Protect Chuckwalla National Monument

PALM DESERT, California, Aug. 13 -- The Conservation Lands Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2025:

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Organizations Seek to Intervene in Lawsuit to Protect Chuckwalla National Monument

Today, the Conservation Lands Foundation joined eight other organizations -- ranging from Coachella Valley-based, to state-wide and national groups -- to file motions to intervene in a lawsuit to defend the Chuckwalla National Monument, following the Ft. Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, and three other Tribal Nations.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. ... Show Full Article PALM DESERT, California, Aug. 13 -- The Conservation Lands Foundation issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2025: * * * Organizations Seek to Intervene in Lawsuit to Protect Chuckwalla National Monument Today, the Conservation Lands Foundation joined eight other organizations -- ranging from Coachella Valley-based, to state-wide and national groups -- to file motions to intervene in a lawsuit to defend the Chuckwalla National Monument, following the Ft. Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, and three other Tribal Nations. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S.District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan by an Idaho-based motorized recreation special interest group, Blue Ribbon Coalition, and an individual miner from Michigan, against the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI). These plaintiffs, represented by the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Mountain States Legal Foundation, seek to undo the designation of the monument, established in January 2025. The monument is located on desert lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in California's Riverside and Imperial Counties.

The organizations filing for intervention spent years carefully vetting boundaries and collaborating with Tribes, veterans, business owners, local elected officials, recreation and conservation groups, and community members to identify and document Chuckwalla's unique tribal resources and values worthy of monument-level protections. These organizations each have interests and expertise in the monument's designation, and intervention by interested parties is critical. Even if the U.S. government vigorously defends the monument, it does not have the same interests as local Tribes or this intervening coalition.

"Chuckwalla National Monument is more than just land to me -- it's a part of my personal story," said Colin Barrows, CoFounder of CactusToCloud Institute. "I grew up exploring the winding Painted Canyon on foot, and continue to find new adventures driving along the network of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails on the Chuckwalla Bench. It has become a sanctuary where I have found solitude, shared special moments with my wife, and introduced countless others to the unique beauty of our desert. This Monument is a living classroom for geology, rare plants, and climate change, and a vital, sustainable economic driver for the Coachella Valley. Its designation ensures that everyone, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, can experience the exceptional beauty and rich culture of our desert."

Chuckwalla National Monument benefits local economies, protects lands significant to 13 Tribal Nations, ensures equitable access and outdoor recreation (including camping, picnicking, driving off-highway vehicles, hunting and more) and safeguards numerous historical, scientific, and ecological values. The monument designation was called for and celebrated by local Tribes, local and state governments, state and federal elected officials, veterans, 300+ businesses, business groups and Chambers of Commerce, 370+ scientists and residents of surrounding communities.

"California veterans spent years advocating for the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument not just because of its breathtaking landscapes, but because it tells the story of our service. From the World War II training grounds scattered across the desert to its proximity to active duty bases, Chuckwalla is a place where military families can reconnect with each other, with the land, and with their sense of purpose," said Janessa Goldbeck, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation. "Veterans have a long history of protecting America's public lands, going all the way back to Teddy Roosevelt, who was both a soldier and an outdoorsman. This monument continues that legacy of service."

"People of all political affiliations love America's national monuments and the public access they provide. Chuckwalla National Monument protects some of southern California's most spectacular and culturally significant landscapes as part of the National Conservation Lands system," said Elyane Stefanick, California program director for the Conservation Lands Foundation. "Chuckwalla National Monument earned widespread support during its designation process through years of Tribal leadership, bipartisan collaboration, and advocacy from local communities, local businesses and elected officials. Any attempts to dismantle Chuckwalla's monument designation would undermine public access, Indigenous cultural connections, vital wildlife habitats and local economies. We remain committed to defending this treasured landscape."

Democrats and Republicans have used the Antiquities Act to designate monuments for more than 100 years. The Supreme Court, a century ago and other courts in the decades since, have consistently upheld the president's authority to determine whether and how much area to protect. Lands protected as National Monuments have included important stretches of public lands in California like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, which were designated as National Monuments in the 1930s by presidential proclamation.

The applicants filing this motion to intervene include CactusToCloud Institute, California Native Plant Society, CalWild, Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Lands Foundation, the National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, Vet Voice Foundation, and The Wilderness Society. They are represented by Earthjustice and the Law Offices of Joseph Lavigne.

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Original text here: https://www.conservationlands.org/organizations_seek_to_intervene_in_lawsuit_to_protect_chuckwalla_national_monument

From CURE: 'Patients and Caregivers Aim to Raise Funds for Myeloma Research'

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California, Aug. 13 -- The International Myeloma Foundation issued the following news:

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From CURE: 'Patients and Caregivers Aim to Raise Funds for Myeloma Research'

The International Myeloma Foundation's 2025 Iceland Cycling Expedition is gearing up to ride across Iceland's breathtaking landscapes, all to raise funds and hope in the fight against multiple myeloma.

CURE sat down with Ashley Dieks, a paramedic and myeloma patient who found strength and purpose through cycling after her diagnosis, and IMF Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Saad Z. Usmani, a passionate myeloma ... Show Full Article

OMRF names Technology Ventures director

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Aug. 11 -- The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation posted the following news:

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OMRF names Technology Ventures director

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The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has named Hemangi Pakala, Ph.D., as director of the foundation's Office of Technology Ventures.

Technology Ventures promotes promising OMRF lab discoveries to biotech and pharmaceutical companies and then coordinates the resulting licensing agreements and patent applications. This arrangement has been instrumental in the development of three FDA-approved drugs, two diagnostic tests and numerous start-up ... Show Full Article

The University of Kentucky suspended a professor for criticizing Israel. Now, FIRE's Faculty Legal Defense Fund is stepping up to defend him.

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Aug. 7 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release:

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The University of Kentucky suspended a professor for criticizing Israel. Now, FIRE's Faculty Legal Defense Fund is stepping up to defend him.

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LEXINGTON, K.Y., Aug. 7, 2025 -- A University of Kentucky professor suspended for criticizing Israel's conduct in the Gaza war now has legal representation thanks to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

Ramsi Woodcock had established a steady career as a law professor at UK, where he has taught for seven ... Show Full Article PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Aug. 7 -- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted the following news release: * * * The University of Kentucky suspended a professor for criticizing Israel. Now, FIRE's Faculty Legal Defense Fund is stepping up to defend him. * LEXINGTON, K.Y., Aug. 7, 2025 -- A University of Kentucky professor suspended for criticizing Israel's conduct in the Gaza war now has legal representation thanks to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Ramsi Woodcock had established a steady career as a law professor at UK, where he has taught for sevenyears. He earned tenure in 2022 and was promoted to full professor on July 1.

Less than two weeks later, the vice provost of the university informed the professor that the university received unspecified complaints about Woodcock's criticisms of Israel outside the classroom on his personal website and at conferences.

The university failed to respond to Woodcock's requests for copies of the complaints. On July 18, university officials removed Woodcock from teaching and banned him from campus. The university also sent a message to its campus condemning Woodcock's views as "repugnant" and publicly announcing an investigation.

Specifically, the university took issue with a petition Woodcock circulated to other law professors across the country that called for military action against Israel because of its war in Gaza, as well as his arguments that Israel should cease to exist.

"This isn't complicated," said Graham Piro, FIRE's Faculty Legal Defense Fund fellow. "Woodcock's arguments about Israel are clearly protected speech on a matter of public concern, and as a faculty member at a public institution, he has the right to voice his ideas, regardless of whether others find them objectionable. And reprimanding a professor over one set of views opens the door to further restrictions on other opinions down the road."

With the help of the FLDF, Woodcock is being represented by Joe F. Childers of Joe F. Childers & Associates. Childers will work to lift Woodcock's suspension so he can return to teaching in the classroom and continue speaking freely outside of it.

"Punishing me for my views on Israel sends a terrifying message to students and colleagues: voice the 'wrong' opinion on a sensitive subject and face consequences from the university," Woodcock said. "It's not only my career that's at stake -- it's about whether the University of Kentucky will continue to exist as an institution that encourages and permits free thought and expression."

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 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.

CONTACT:

Karl de Vries, Director of Media Relations, FIRE: 215-717-3473; media@thefire.org

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Original text here: https://www.thefire.org/news/university-kentucky-suspended-professor-criticizing-israel-now-fires-faculty-legal-defense

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $3 Million Grant to Support Civica's Affordable Insulin Programs

NEW YORK, Aug. 7 -- Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) a non-profit dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research, posted the following news release:

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Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $3 Million Grant to Support Civica's Affordable Insulin Programs

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PETERSBURG, Va., Aug. 7, 2025 -- Governor Glenn Youngkin joined Civica officials at the company's Petersburg manufacturing facility to announce a $3 million grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to accelerate Civica's efforts to develop and produce affordable insulin for Americans living with diabetes.

"We are proud to partner with Civica ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, Aug. 7 -- Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) a non-profit dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research, posted the following news release: * * * Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $3 Million Grant to Support Civica's Affordable Insulin Programs * PETERSBURG, Va., Aug. 7, 2025 -- Governor Glenn Youngkin joined Civica officials at the company's Petersburg manufacturing facility to announce a $3 million grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia to accelerate Civica's efforts to develop and produce affordable insulin for Americans living with diabetes. "We are proud to partner with Civicain their mission to make essential medicines more accessible," said Governor Youngkin. "This investment reflects our belief in the power of public-private collaboration to improve lives and strengthen communities."

These funds will support the production of insulin aspart, a rapid-acting human insulin analog used to regulate blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. Civica plans to produce both rapid- and long-acting insulins at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Petersburg, Va., where the company now employs more than 200 skilled workers 1. Over 8 million people living with diabetes need rapid-acting and/or long-acting insulin.

The Governor also announced that he had officially proclaimed August 7 - 14, 2025 'Life Sciences Week' demonstrating the Commonwealth's commitment to "accelerating the advancement of the life sciences through public-private partnerships, STEM education, workforce development, and sustained investment in research and development."

"We are grateful for the Commonwealth's support," said Ned McCoy, Civica's President and CEO. "This funding will help us move closer toward our goal of ensuring that no one has to choose between insulin and other basic needs."

Civica and Virginia officials were joined by Lynn Starr, Chief Global Advocacy Officer of Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization.

"More than one million American adults live with type 1 diabetes, and many still, sadly, ration their insulin, due to the prohibitively high cost of this necessary medication," said Starr. "Civica's work will help to make insulin more affordable for people across the country."

Breakthrough T1D is among more than two dozen organizations and philanthropists, along with the states of Virginia and California, that have partnered with Civica to support the development of affordable insulins.

Civica's insulin initiative aims to provide patients with predictable, transparent pricing -- no more than $30 per vial or $55 for a box of five pens -- regardless of insurance status.

About Civica

Civica is a nonprofit pharmaceutical company established to address drug shortages. It was founded by a group of U.S. health systems and philanthropies who, after more than a decade of chronic shortages, recognized that the market was not self-correcting and that a different approach is required. Civica works to deliver a safe, stable, and affordable supply of essential medicines to U.S. patients

1 Facility prior approval inspection expected in 2026.

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Original text here: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/for-the-media/press-releases/governor-glenn-youngkin-announces-3-million-grant-to-support-civicas-affordable-insulin-programs/

20 students complete lab internships at OMRF

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Aug. 7 -- The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation posted the following news:

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20 students complete lab internships at OMRF

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Twenty students will begin or return to college this month after spending the summer at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation conducting experiments on conditions ranging from Alzheimer's disease to multiple sclerosis.

This year's OMRF interns included 14 students comprising OMRF's 69th class of Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars, two who formed the fifth class of the Langston Biomedical Research Scholars Program, and four U.S. military ... Show Full Article OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Aug. 7 -- The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation posted the following news: * * * 20 students complete lab internships at OMRF * Twenty students will begin or return to college this month after spending the summer at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation conducting experiments on conditions ranging from Alzheimer's disease to multiple sclerosis. This year's OMRF interns included 14 students comprising OMRF's 69th class of Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars, two who formed the fifth class of the Langston Biomedical Research Scholars Program, and four U.S. militaryacademy students who made up the 16th class of the John H. Saxon Service Academy Summer Research Program.

"Training future scientists is at the heart of what we do at OMRF," said Ashley Cheyney, Ph.D., assistant director of scientific training and outreach. "Each year, our summer scholars tell us how their time here helped them grow and gave them a clearer sense of their future in science. We're excited to see where these students' paths lead next."

Since 1956, the Fleming program has given Oklahoma students hands-on biomedical research experience. It is named for Sir Alexander Fleming, the British scientist who discovered penicillin and in 1949 came to Oklahoma City to dedicate OMRF's first building.

Fleming Scholar Edward Kang of Edmond, a Casady School graduate now at Harvard College, studied how a drug called rapamycin changes the DNA in our brains. Originally used to prevent organ transplant rejection, rapamycin now is being explored for its anti-aging potential.

"OMRF has an incredibly supportive, tight-knit community," Kang said. "I felt welcome here from the start, and I've been given space and freedom within my project to learn as I go."

The Saxon internship program, created by OMRF Board Member John Saxon III, M.D., honors his father, a West Point graduate and career Air Force pilot who taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Since 2009, more than 40 military students have participated in the program.

Hayden Ward, an Air Force Academy cadet from Mobile, Alabama, spent her OMRF internship studying the differences in wound healing between mice and humans.

"This is my first research experience," the biology major said. "One thing I've learned here is that if you don't understand something, don't get down on yourself. Practice makes perfect. All my lab mates have reminded me of that. Their drive and their grace have been contagious."

The Langston Scholars program is a partnership between OMRF and Langston University.

"This internship has opened up my eyes to the possibility of doing research in the future," said Quentavius Wickliffe, a Langston scholar from Guthrie who eventually hopes to enter Langston's doctoral physical therapy program. "This summer has been paramount for not just my career, but my life."

Applications for OMRF's 2025 internship programs will open this fall. For more information, visit omrf.org/Training.

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Original text here: https://omrf.org/2025/08/07/20-students-complete-lab-internships-at-omrf/

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