HAFFS Events
Inside FIRE’s 2026 Rankings: Free Speech at Harvard
Join Harvard Alumni for Free Speech, 1636 Forum, and the Foundation for Individual Rights & Expression (FIRE) Chief Research Officer Sean Stevens & Campus Advocacy Chief of Staff Connor Murnane for an exclusive live Zoom discussion about Harvard’s results in FIRE’s new 2026 College Free Speech Rankings.
This annual survey, the largest of its kind, captures the state of free expression on campuses across the country. Which universities are leading the way? Which are falling behind? And what do these rankings reveal about the culture of open inquiry in higher education today?
Our panel will highlight the most significant findings, explain the methodology behind the rankings, and take your questions on what this means for students, alumni, and faculty who care about protecting academic freedom.
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from FIRE as the new rankings are released.
Harvard’s Legal Fight: The District Court Ruling
This week, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a major decision in Harvard’s federal funding case—restoring more than $2.6 billion in research grants and ruling decisively in the university’s favor. In this short explainer, we break down what Judge Burroughs’ 84-page ruling means, why it matters, and what could come next as the federal government prepares to appeal. The court voided the government’s Freeze Orders and Termination Letters, citing constitutional and statutory grounds. For now, Harvard retains its funding.
Who Has Jurisdiction? HAFFS Legal Experts on the Fight Over Harvard’s Case
In this 25-minute briefing, HAFFS board members Fil Agusti and John Evangelakos explore the legal battle over where the case involving Harvard should be heard—and why that question matters. From procedural complexity to broader implications for academic freedom and alumni oversight, this discussion offers clear, informed analysis.
Webinar: What the Amicus Briefs Say — A Legal Deep Dive into the Harvard Case
Later this month, Harvard Alumni for Free Speech will host a special webinar reviewing the amicus briefs recently filed in support of Harvard in its legal battle with the federal government. These briefs offer insight into how Harvard’s allies are framing the issues at stake — and what their arguments mean for the future of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and governance.
Our speakers will include Fil Agusti, legal expert and partner at Steptoe LLP, and John Evangelakos, HAFFS Board Member and partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Together, they will provide an accessible legal overview and analysis of the key themes and implications emerging from the briefs.
This is a must-attend event for anyone following this pivotal case. Stay tuned — registration details and date will be announced shortly.
The full event recording have been viewed on our youtube channel here.
Harvard Briefing: Understanding the Legal Landscape at Harvard and Beyond
Join Harvard Alumni for Free Speech (HAFFS) for a timely briefing featuring Robert Shibley, Special Counsel for Campus Advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). As the disputes between Harvard and the Federal Government intensify – including the government’s suspension of over $2 billion in funding and the threat of revoking Harvard’s charity designation, as well as Harvard’s litigation against the Federal Government – this session will offer expert insight into the evolving legal dynamics affecting both Harvard and higher education more broadly.
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Time: 12:30pm Eastern
Location: Zoom, Please Register in Advance Here:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ePlm_QesSpKfMzUXBBzQKw
Open to all alumni and supporters of free expression and academic freedom.
The full event recording can be found on our Youtube channel here.
MIT Free Speech Alliance and MIT Open Discourse Society’s debate
On November 14, 2024, at 7 pm at Wong Auditorium at MIT, HAFFS will co-sponsor the MIT Free Speech Alliance and MIT Open Discourse Society’s debate on the topic, RESOLVED: The total cost of net-zero decarbonization required to achieve the Paris Climate Accord goals is well worth the projected benefits delivered by the predicted reduction in global temperatures. This event is free to all interested parties.
Global Free Speech Summit with Nadine Strossen
On October 17-18, 2024, HAFFS Advisory Board member Nadine Strossen will join other prominent speakers at the Global Free Speech Summit, organized by The Future of Free Speech and Vanderbilt University. The speakers will discuss the most pressing challenges threatening freedom of expression worldwide and identify impactful solutions to reinvigorate this fundamental right. The event will take place on Vanderbilt’s campus and will also be streamed online.
More information on the summit and its speakers is available.