In its third year, fraternity and sorority student leaders from across the country convened in Chicago in February for a weekend of speakers, presentations, and discussions about the importance of the First Amendment on today’s college campus. With an underlying theme of “learning how to disagree without being disagreeable,” participants heard from those on the frontline of the First Amendment on campuses.
Sarah and Garrett, served as both presenters and participants, alongside 50 other students from California to New York, for this year’s Institute. As part of the panel, “Campus Activism and the First Amendment: A student perspective,” they shared their experiences as student advocates for free speech. Key thoughts and reflections from this panel discussion follow.
Sarah Green (SG): “As I entered college, I was shocked by the stifling environment surrounding free speech. It quickly became clear that only one perspective was often presented, and questioning it was uncommon—if not outright discouraged.”
Garrett Bruce (GB): “I’ve always thought that I understood the significance of our civil liberties, that each of us hold as Americans. As a student of history, I was fascinated by our founding fathers’ vision, their emphasis on protecting our unalienable rights, and generations of Americans fighting to create a free society. However, being candid, I took these freedoms for granted and it wasn’t until my own First Amendment rights were infringed upon that I realized it was something that needed to be fought for continuously.”
SG: “In Student Senate, every bill, amounting to millions of dollars, passed unanimously with little discussion. Within my sorority, raising questions about decisions—whether at the local or national level—was simply not an option. From this, I learned that free speech is not just a rule, it is a culture that we must work to preserve.”
SG: “One of the highlights of the event was hearing from Zach Greenberg, a phenomenal speaker from FIRE, the world’s leading free speech organization, who provided an in-depth legal analysis on First Amendment protections. Frannie Block, a reporter from The Free Press, my favorite news outlet, was also present to discuss pressing issues surrounding free expression within the Stanford fraternity and sorority life system.” (Note: It was Block’s work as a student reporter about issues related to the First Amendment that ultimately led to her after-graduation work with The Free Press.)
GB: “As a result of the First Amendment Institute, college student leaders from across the country were able to learn and understand the importance of our rights. Industry experts from The Foundation for Individual Rights in Expression (FIRE), The Free Press, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, CNN commentator and pollster, Brad Todd, and student leaders, including myself, shared how they have accepted the call to preserve our torch of freedom. There is no doubt the weekend ignited a spark in the student attendees to fight for a more free society beginning on our respective campuses.”
SG: “Seeing young leaders engage in open dialogue, listen to differing perspectives, and learn how to foster environments that truly uphold free speech was an inspiring experience. The ability to disagree, challenge, and refine ideas is the foundation of a thriving community. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this conversation and will continue advocating for open discourse—on campus and beyond. This experience reinforced a fundamental truth: disagreement is essential for progress. Challenging ideas, debating policies, and allowing space for multiple viewpoints lead to stronger outcomes—not just in government, but in every aspect of life.”
GB: “College students are our future leaders“and without a real understanding of the First Amendment our societal fabric will continue to deteriorate. This is why events such as the First Amendment Institute are vital to inform young Americans about how each of us can play a role in preserving freedom no matter how big or small, or where infringements may occur.”
For more information about the Fraternity Sorority Action Fund First Amendment Institute, contact Wynn Smiley at Alpha Tau Omega Headquarters. Fraternity and sorority members can attend the First Amendment Institute through nomination by their national headquarters, through school sponsorship, or fraternity/sorority alumni/alumnae sponsorship.
About the Authors
Garrett Bruce is a senior business management major at the University of Maryland. He is the former president of Kappa Alpha Order and former chief justice of the IFC.
Sarah Green is a mechanical engineering student at the University of Kansas and a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She is a 2024 Intercollegiate Studies Institute Honors student and serves as an ambassador for the school of engineering. Sarah also attended the 2024 Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression student conference and has been a vocal advocate for free speech, preservation of women’s spaces and elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on campus. Sarah is a newly appointed member of Sigma Kappa’s committee on DEI.
Wynn Smiley serves as the chief executive officer for Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Wynn also serves as the Chief Executive for the Alpha Tau Omega Educational Foundation and RPG Management and RPG Financial, both focused on ATO chapter housing and chapter house related loans and financing. Wynn serves in several positions within the interfraternal community including past president of the Fraternity Executives Association, a current member of the Governing Council for the North American Interfraternity Conference and chair of the First Amendment Institute for undergraduate fraternity and sorority leaders across the country.
