JOSEPH COHN

H.R.7612, the Students Bill of Rights Act of 2024; H.R.7683 - Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act; draft legislation related to free expression at universities receiving federal funding; due process protections in the Department of Education's proposed title IX regulations.

FIRE prepared draft legislation for a congressional office to constitutionally address anti-Semitic harassment and other forms of discriminatory student-on-student harassment within a framework that complies with the First Amendment. FIRE reviewed and analyzed the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 2508) and a Resolution on Campus Free Speech (H.Res. 282) in anticipation of further engagement on these bills to ensure they are consistent with the the First Amendment. FIRE also discussed our concernswith how the Departmentof Education (ED) is handlingcampus free speech and due process issues, in and out of the context of enforcement of Title IX with Senator Marco Rubio's office in advance of a Senate hearing with ED Secretary Miguel Cardona.

FIRE prepared draft legislation for a congressional office to constitutionally address anti-Semitic harassment and other forms of discriminatory student-on-student harassment within a framework that complies with the First Amendment. FIRE reviewed and analyzed the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 2508) and a Resolution on Campus Free Speech (H.Res. 282) in anticipation of further engagement on these bills to ensure they are consistent with the the First Amendment. FIRE participated in a press conference in support of the Federal Rap Act (H.R. 2952) and had discussions with the bill sponsors about the legislation. FIRE also discussed our concernswith how the Departmentof Education is handlingcampus free speech and due process issues, in and out of the context of enforcement of Title IX with Senator Marco Rubio's office in advance of a Senate hearing with ED Secretary Miguel Cardona. FIRE also engagedin a grassroots lobbying campaignby emailing our supporters to urge them to contact congressional offices to express opposition to the RESTRICT Act (S. 686), which we oppose over free speech concerns.

FIRE reviewed and provided analysis of drafts of a potential Student Bill of Rights and an additional draft piece of legislation that would protect free expression on college campuses. FIRE also provided analysis to Ed and Workforce committee staff and other congressional offices regarding how to combat anti-Semitism without infringing on students' free speech rights. FIRE analyzed and joined a coalition letter to Senator Schumer opposing the Stop CSAM Act (S.1199) which would have undermined free speech online by imposing liability on social media companies for hosting content related to conduct, including expression, related to child exploitation. We met with a Senate office to discuss our support for the RAP Act (H.R. 2952) which would change the federal rules of evidence to protect the free speech rights of artists, so their fictional works are not used as the basis of criminal prosecutions, unless there is additional evidence tying the works to details of the crimes only the perpetrators would know.

H.R. 2952, a bill to amend the Federal Rules of Evidence to limit the admissibility of evidence of a defendants creative or artistic expression against such defendant, and for other purposes; book bans; Julian Assange prosecution.

FIRE prepared draft legislation for a congressional office to constitutionally address anti-Semitic harassment and other forms of discriminatory student-on-student harassment within a framework that complies with the First Amendment. FIRE reviewed and analyzed the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 2508) and a Resolution on Campus Free Speech (H.Res. 282) in anticipation of further engagement on these bills to ensure they are consistent with the the First Amendment. FIRE participated in a press conference in support of the Federal Rap Act (H.R. 2952) and had discussions with the bill sponsors about the legislation. FIRE also discussed our concernswith how the Departmentof Education is handlingcampus free speech and due process issues, in and out of the context of enforcement of Title IX with Senator Marco Rubio's office in advance of a Senate hearing with ED Secretary Miguel Cardona. FIRE also engagedin a grassroots lobbying campaignby emailing our supporters to urge them to contact congressional offices to express opposition to the RESTRICT Act (S. 686), which we oppose over free speech concerns.

H.R. 5894, Labor-H Appropriations Act for FY24 (issue: Lawler amendment re: anti-semitism); campus free speech draft legislation; H. Res. 927, a resolution condemning antisemitism on University campuses; Education and Workforce investigations of college campuses; issues related to anti-semitism on college campuses.

FIRE prepared draft legislation for a congressional office to constitutionally address anti-Semitic harassment and other forms of discriminatory student-on-student harassment within a framework that complies with the First Amendment. FIRE reviewed and analyzed the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 2508) and a Resolution on Campus Free Speech (H.Res. 282) in anticipation of further engagement on these bills to ensure they are consistent with the the First Amendment. FIRE also discussed our concernswith how the Departmentof Education (ED) is handlingcampus free speech and due process issues, in and out of the context of enforcement of Title IX with Senator Marco Rubio's office in advance of a Senate hearing with ED Secretary Miguel Cardona.

FIRE prepared draft legislation for a congressional office to constitutionally address anti-Semitic harassment and other forms of discriminatory student-on-student harassment within a framework that complies with the First Amendment. FIRE reviewed and analyzed the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 2508) and a Resolution on Campus Free Speech (H.Res. 282) in anticipation of further engagement on these bills to ensure they are consistent with the the First Amendment. FIRE participated in a press conference in support of the Federal Rap Act (H.R. 2952) and had discussions with the bill sponsors about the legislation. FIRE also discussed our concernswith how the Departmentof Education is handlingcampus free speech and due process issues, in and out of the context of enforcement of Title IX with Senator Marco Rubio's office in advance of a Senate hearing with ED Secretary Miguel Cardona. FIRE also engagedin a grassroots lobbying campaignby emailing our supporters to urge them to contact congressional offices to express opposition to the RESTRICT Act (S. 686), which we oppose over free speech concerns.

H.R. 5894, Labor-H Appropriations Act for FY24 (issue: Lawler amendment re: anti-semitism); campus free speech draft legislation; H. Res. 927, a resolution condemning antisemitism on University campuses; Education and Workforce investigations of college campuses; issues related to anti-semitism on college campuses.

FIRE reviewed and provided analysis of drafts of a potential Student Bill of Rights and an additional draft piece of legislation that would protect free expression on college campuses. FIRE also provided analysis to Ed and Workforce committee staff and other congressional offices regarding how to combat anti-Semitism without infringing on students' free speech rights. FIRE analyzed and joined a coalition letter to Senator Schumer opposing the Stop CSAM Act (S.1199) which would have undermined free speech online by imposing liability on social media companies for hosting content related to conduct, including expression, related to child exploitation. We met with a Senate office to discuss our support for the RAP Act (H.R. 2952) which would change the federal rules of evidence to protect the free speech rights of artists, so their fictional works are not used as the basis of criminal prosecutions, unless there is additional evidence tying the works to details of the crimes only the perpetrators would know.

FIRE prepared draft legislation for a congressional office to constitutionally address anti-Semitic harassment and other forms of discriminatory student-on-student harassment within a framework that complies with the First Amendment. FIRE reviewed and analyzed the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 2508) and a Resolution on Campus Free Speech (H.Res. 282) in anticipation of further engagement on these bills to ensure they are consistent with the the First Amendment. FIRE participated in a press conference in support of the Federal Rap Act (H.R. 2952) and had discussions with the bill sponsors about the legislation. FIRE also discussed our concernswith how the Departmentof Education is handlingcampus free speech and due process issues, in and out of the context of enforcement of Title IX with Senator Marco Rubio's office in advance of a Senate hearing with ED Secretary Miguel Cardona. FIRE also engagedin a grassroots lobbying campaignby emailing our supporters to urge them to contact congressional offices to express opposition to the RESTRICT Act (S. 686), which we oppose over free speech concerns.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

FIRE participated in a roundtable on the issue of free speech on college campuses hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee. We also expressed concerns over provisions in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (S. 3623 later enacted in HR 2471) that would provide grants to institutions of higher education to use potentially biased trainings when training those on campus who are responsible for adjudicating Title IX claims. We were also concerned about the implications of the federal government adopting a definition of affirmative consent in the bill. FIRE also worked with Senate offices on potential legislation on campus free speech that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also met with OMB and Department of Education staff to share some of our general free speech and due process concerns with respect to the Department of Education's plan to amend the existing Title IX regulations. We also have been doing extensive research in preparation for commenting on the Department of Education's proposal to amend the Title IX regulations when that new rule is proposed.

FIRE participated in a roundtable on the issue of free speech on college campuses hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee. We also expressed concerns over provisions in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (S. 3623 later enacted in HR 2471) that would provide grants to institutions of higher education to use potentially biased trainings when training those on campus who are responsible for adjudicating Title IX claims. We were also concerned about the implications of the federal government adopting a definition of affirmative consent in the bill. FIRE also worked with Senate offices on potential legislation on campus free speech that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also met with OMB and Department of Education staff to share some of our general free speech and due process concerns with respect to the Department of Education's plan to amend the existing Title IX regulations. We also have been doing extensive research in preparation for commenting on the Department of Education's proposal to amend the Title IX regulations when that new rule is proposed.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act H.R. 5831), the SLAPP Protection Act of 2022, (H.R. 8864) and legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any of those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act H.R. 5831), the SLAPP Protection Act of 2022, (H.R. 8864) and legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any of those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act H.R. 5831), the SLAPP Protection Act of 2022, (H.R. 8864) and legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any of those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act H.R. 5831), the SLAPP Protection Act of 2022, (H.R. 8864) and legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any of those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act H.R. 5831), the SLAPP Protection Act of 2022, (H.R. 8864) and legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any of those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed the Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act H.R. 5831), the SLAPP Protection Act of 2022, (H.R. 8864) and legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any of those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

A vast majorityof FIRE's expenses incurred during the quarter are attributable to the staff hours that went into preparing FIRE's Comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on the enforcement of Title IX, Docket No. ED-2021-OCR-0166, RIN 1870-AA16. FIRE's comment offered detailed objections to aspects of the proposalthat would violate free speech and due process rights. FIRE also had communications with congressional offices regarding the possibility of future legislation on campus free speech. Those conversations included discussion of the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act (H.R. 8945) and improvements FIRE would like to see tothe bill. We also analyzed legislation on combatingIslamophobia (S. 3384/ H.R. 5565) in anticipation of potentially engaging on those bills. FIRE has not yet engaged any congressional offices on any those bills. Finally, FIRE discussed the Banned Book Resolution (H. Res. 1392) with a congressional office.

FIRE participated in a roundtable on the issue of free speech on college campuses hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee. We also expressed concerns over provisions in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (S. 3623 later enacted in HR 2471) that would provide grants to institutions of higher education to use potentially biased trainings when training those on campus who are responsible for adjudicating Title IX claims. We were also concerned about the implications of the federal government adopting a definition of affirmative consent in the bill. FIRE also worked with Senate offices on potential legislation on campus free speech that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also met with OMB and Department of Education staff to share some of our general free speech and due process concerns with respect to the Department of Education's plan to amend the existing Title IX regulations. We also have been doing extensive research in preparation for commenting on the Department of Education's proposal to amend the Title IX regulations when that new rule is proposed.

FIRE participated in a roundtable on the issue of free speech on college campuses hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee. We also expressed concerns over provisions in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization (S. 3623 later enacted in HR 2471) that would provide grants to institutions of higher education to use potentially biased trainings when training those on campus who are responsible for adjudicating Title IX claims. We were also concerned about the implications of the federal government adopting a definition of affirmative consent in the bill. FIRE also worked with Senate offices on potential legislation on campus free speech that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also met with OMB and Department of Education staff to share some of our general free speech and due process concerns with respect to the Department of Education's plan to amend the existing Title IX regulations. We also have been doing extensive research in preparation for commenting on the Department of Education's proposal to amend the Title IX regulations when that new rule is proposed.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation.

As part of the Department of Education's June 7-11, public hearing on Title IX, FIRE provided verbal testimony and a written comment to provide our input on the Department's enforcement of Title IX. We emphasized the need to maintain robust due process protections and ensure that enforcement of Title IX was consistent with judicial precedents on fair procedures and free speech. We also met with the Office for Civil Rights to discuss the same. FIRE also met with members of Congress to discuss amendments FIRE would make to the the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (H.R. 4007) to ensure that it tracks the judicial precedent and is a helpful tool for protecting free speech on college campuses. In meetings with staff for members of the House of Representatives, we shared our perspective on the direction would like the Department of Education to go, explaining our hope that the Department would maintain policies that protect campus free speech and due process. We also engaged Senate offices to share our concerns about Catherine Lhamon's nomination to return to the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights as the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, a position we think she should not be confirmed to unless she makes concrete commitments under oath to maintain the robust due process protections and the U.S. Supreme Court compliant definition of sexual harassment in the Title IX regulations. Finally, on the request of a Senate office, we reviewed draft language regarding a proposal to ensure that Court Orders signed electronically have security measures to ensure their authenticity. Ultimately, we concluded that proposal was outside the scope of FIRE's mission.

As part of the Department of Education's June 7-11, public hearing on Title IX, FIRE provided verbal testimony and a written comment to provide our input on the Department's enforcement of Title IX. We emphasized the need to maintain robust due process protections and ensure that enforcement of Title IX was consistent with judicial precedents on fair procedures and free speech. We also met with the Office for Civil Rights to discuss the same. FIRE also met with members of Congress to discuss amendments FIRE would make to the the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (H.R. 4007) to ensure that it tracks the judicial precedent and is a helpful tool for protecting free speech on college campuses. In meetings with staff for members of the House of Representatives, we shared our perspective on the direction would like the Department of Education to go, explaining our hope that the Department would maintain policies that protect campus free speech and due process. We also engaged Senate offices to share our concerns about Catherine Lhamon's nomination to return to the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights as the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, a position we think she should not be confirmed to unless she makes concrete commitments under oath to maintain the robust due process protections and the U.S. Supreme Court compliant definition of sexual harassment in the Title IX regulations. Finally, on the request of a Senate office, we reviewed draft language regarding a proposal to ensure that Court Orders signed electronically have security measures to ensure their authenticity. Ultimately, we concluded that proposal was outside the scope of FIRE's mission.

On the invitation of the Republicanmembers of the House Judiciary Committee, FIRE held a conference call briefing them on campus free speech where we presented on our new campus rankings. FIRE shared our opposition to the nomination of Catherine Lhamon to lead the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights with Senate offices. At the request of a Senate office, FIRE provided proposed changes to a potential bill draft on campus free speech. FIRE provided Rep. Greg Murphy's office with feedback regarding H Res. 770, a resolution on campus free speech. On November1, 2021, FIRE participated in a Roundtable on campus free speech hosted by Representative Greg Murphy.

On the invitation of the Republicanmembers of the House Judiciary Committee, FIRE held a conference call briefing them on campus free speech where we presented on our new campus rankings. FIRE shared our opposition to the nomination of Catherine Lhamon to lead the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights with Senate offices. At the request of a Senate office, FIRE provided proposed changes to a potential bill draft on campus free speech. FIRE provided Rep. Greg Murphy's office with feedback regarding H Res. 770, a resolution on campus free speech. On November1, 2021, FIRE participated in a Roundtable on campus free speech hosted by Representative Greg Murphy.

As is FIRE's custom with every new President, FIRE sent President Biden a letter on his inauguration day highlighting FIRE's priorities. The letter included discussion of campus free speech and due process and discussed those issues in the context of Title IX. Staff for the majority and minority of the House Education and Labor Committee as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee were copied on the letter. FIRE also wrote to Senate offices with questions we wanted posed to Miguel Cardona during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. FIRE also internally analyzed two bills addressing Confucius Institutes on college campus in anticipation of the possibility of doing congressional advocacy. Those bills were S. 590 and S. 822. Finally, early in second quarter, FIRE had a meeting with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to discuss campus free speech. Preparation for the meeting took place during the covered time period.

As is FIRE's custom with every new President, FIRE sent President Biden a letter on his inauguration day highlighting FIRE's priorities. The letter included discussion of campus free speech and due process and discussed those issues in the context of Title IX. Staff for the majority and minority of the House Education and Labor Committee as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee were copied on the letter. FIRE also wrote to Senate offices with questions we wanted posed to Miguel Cardona during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. FIRE also internally analyzed two bills addressing Confucius Institutes on college campus in anticipation of the possibility of doing congressional advocacy. Those bills were S. 590 and S. 822. Finally, early in second quarter, FIRE had a meeting with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to discuss campus free speech. Preparation for the meeting took place during the covered time period.

As is FIRE's custom with every new President, FIRE sent President Biden a letter on his inauguration day highlighting FIRE's priorities. The letter included discussion of campus free speech and due process and discussed those issues in the context of Title IX. Staff for the majority and minority of the House Education and Labor Committee as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee were copied on the letter. FIRE also wrote to Senate offices with questions we wanted posed to Miguel Cardona during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. FIRE also internally analyzed two bills addressing Confucius Institutes on college campus in anticipation of the possibility of doing congressional advocacy. Those bills were S. 590 and S. 822. Finally, early in second quarter, FIRE had a meeting with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to discuss campus free speech. Preparation for the meeting took place during the covered time period.

As is FIRE's custom with every new President, FIRE sent President Biden a letter on his inauguration day highlighting FIRE's priorities. The letter included discussion of campus free speech and due process and discussed those issues in the context of Title IX. Staff for the majority and minority of the House Education and Labor Committee as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee were copied on the letter. FIRE also wrote to Senate offices with questions we wanted posed to Miguel Cardona during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. FIRE also internally analyzed two bills addressing Confucius Institutes on college campus in anticipation of the possibility of doing congressional advocacy. Those bills were S. 590 and S. 822. Finally, early in second quarter, FIRE had a meeting with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to discuss campus free speech. Preparation for the meeting took place during the covered time period.

FIRE submitted a formal comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on Eligibility of Faith-Based Entities, Docket No. ED-2019-OPE-0080, RIN 1840-AD45. Our comment largely in support of the free speech provisions and provisions on the rights of religious student organizations can be read at: https://www.thefire.org/fire-comment-on-religion-ed-regulations-feb-18-2020/. FIRE also met and had telephone calls with Congressional offices to discuss free speech on campus, including FIRE's support for H.R. 1672, the Free Right to Expression in Education Act, a bill that would prohibit public institutions from restricting speech to certain outdoor areas of campuses, often misleadingly labeled as "free speech zones." We also discussed how colleges should be addressing anti-Semitism on college campuses without violating the First Amendment. During those conversations FIRE shared its concerns about the President's Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. FIRE also wrote to the Department of Education and the Office for Management and Budget (OMB) to urge them to finalize the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE had a telephone call with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights urging it to finalize the Title IX regs. The substance of the proposed regulations was not discussed. We did discuss an open OCR Title VI investigation into Georgia Tech, and advised OCR that we would be submitting a letter that FIRE sent to the institution about the facts underlying the complaint to the OCR for its consideration during the investigation. FIRE also reviewed drafts of HR 6379 (the CARES Act) dealing with COVID-19 relief for its implications on nonprofits and others who engage in constitutionally protected federal lobbying. We communicated our concerns to Congressional offices.

FIRE submitted a formal comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on Eligibility of Faith-Based Entities, Docket No. ED-2019-OPE-0080, RIN 1840-AD45. Our comment largely in support of the free speech provisions and provisions on the rights of religious student organizations can be read at: https://www.thefire.org/fire-comment-on-religion-ed-regulations-feb-18-2020/. FIRE also met and had telephone calls with Congressional offices to discuss free speech on campus, including FIRE's support for H.R. 1672, the Free Right to Expression in Education Act, a bill that would prohibit public institutions from restricting speech to certain outdoor areas of campuses, often misleadingly labeled as "free speech zones." We also discussed how colleges should be addressing anti-Semitism on college campuses without violating the First Amendment. During those conversations FIRE shared its concerns about the President's Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. FIRE also wrote to the Department of Education and the Office for Management and Budget (OMB) to urge them to finalize the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE had a telephone call with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights urging it to finalize the Title IX regs. The substance of the proposed regulations was not discussed. We did discuss an open OCR Title VI investigation into Georgia Tech, and advised OCR that we would be submitting a letter that FIRE sent to the institution about the facts underlying the complaint to the OCR for its consideration during the investigation. FIRE also reviewed drafts of HR 6379 (the CARES Act) dealing with COVID-19 relief for its implications on nonprofits and others who engage in constitutionally protected federal lobbying. We communicated our concerns to Congressional offices.

FIRE Senior Fellow Samantha Harris was invited to testify before the House Education and Labor Committees Civil Rights and Human Services subcommittee in a hearing on September 10, titled On the Basis of Sex: Examining the Administrations Attacks on Gender-Based Protections. In her testimony, which FIRE staff helped her research and prepare, Ms. Harris explained why the Department of Educations new Title IX rules are not an attack on gender-based protections, but instead effectively protect all students ability to receive an education. FIRE also contacted members of Congress to share our concerns with the anti-Semitism provision in H.R. 2574.

FIRE Senior Fellow Samantha Harris was invited to testify before the House Education and Labor Committees Civil Rights and Human Services subcommittee in a hearing on September 10, titled On the Basis of Sex: Examining the Administrations Attacks on Gender-Based Protections. In her testimony, which FIRE staff helped her research and prepare, Ms. Harris explained why the Department of Educations new Title IX rules are not an attack on gender-based protections, but instead effectively protect all students ability to receive an education. FIRE also contacted members of Congress to share our concerns with the anti-Semitism provision in H.R. 2574.

FIRE submitted a formal comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on Eligibility of Faith-Based Entities, Docket No. ED-2019-OPE-0080, RIN 1840-AD45. Our comment largely in support of the free speech provisions and provisions on the rights of religious student organizations can be read at: https://www.thefire.org/fire-comment-on-religion-ed-regulations-feb-18-2020/. FIRE also met and had telephone calls with Congressional offices to discuss free speech on campus, including FIRE's support for H.R. 1672, the Free Right to Expression in Education Act, a bill that would prohibit public institutions from restricting speech to certain outdoor areas of campuses, often misleadingly labeled as "free speech zones." We also discussed how colleges should be addressing anti-Semitism on college campuses without violating the First Amendment. During those conversations FIRE shared its concerns about the President's Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. FIRE also wrote to the Department of Education and the Office for Management and Budget (OMB) to urge them to finalize the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE had a telephone call with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights urging it to finalize the Title IX regs. The substance of the proposed regulations was not discussed. We did discuss an open OCR Title VI investigation into Georgia Tech, and advised OCR that we would be submitting a letter that FIRE sent to the institution about the facts underlying the complaint to the OCR for its consideration during the investigation. FIRE also reviewed drafts of HR 6379 (the CARES Act) dealing with COVID-19 relief for its implications on nonprofits and others who engage in constitutionally protected federal lobbying. We communicated our concerns to Congressional offices.

FIRE submitted a formal comment to the Department of Education on its proposed regulations on Eligibility of Faith-Based Entities, Docket No. ED-2019-OPE-0080, RIN 1840-AD45. Our comment largely in support of the free speech provisions and provisions on the rights of religious student organizations can be read at: https://www.thefire.org/fire-comment-on-religion-ed-regulations-feb-18-2020/. FIRE also met and had telephone calls with Congressional offices to discuss free speech on campus, including FIRE's support for H.R. 1672, the Free Right to Expression in Education Act, a bill that would prohibit public institutions from restricting speech to certain outdoor areas of campuses, often misleadingly labeled as "free speech zones." We also discussed how colleges should be addressing anti-Semitism on college campuses without violating the First Amendment. During those conversations FIRE shared its concerns about the President's Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. FIRE also wrote to the Department of Education and the Office for Management and Budget (OMB) to urge them to finalize the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE had a telephone call with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights urging it to finalize the Title IX regs. The substance of the proposed regulations was not discussed. We did discuss an open OCR Title VI investigation into Georgia Tech, and advised OCR that we would be submitting a letter that FIRE sent to the institution about the facts underlying the complaint to the OCR for its consideration during the investigation. FIRE also reviewed drafts of HR 6379 (the CARES Act) dealing with COVID-19 relief for its implications on nonprofits and others who engage in constitutionally protected federal lobbying. We communicated our concerns to Congressional offices.

FIRE wrote to congressional offices to communicate our concerns with the Confucius Act S.939, urging edits to ensure that the bill adequately protects academic freedom. FIRE also organized a grassroots lobbying campaign, communicated with the Department of Education, Congressional offices and OMB to urge the Department of Education to finalize and publish new Title IX Regulations. Once those regulations were finalized we conducted a webinar for Congressional staff explaining the new regulations and conveying FIRE's support for them.

FIRE wrote to congressional offices to communicate our concerns with the Confucius Act S.939, urging edits to ensure that the bill adequately protects academic freedom. FIRE also organized a grassroots lobbying campaign, communicated with the Department of Education, Congressional offices and OMB to urge the Department of Education to finalize and publish new Title IX Regulations. Once those regulations were finalized we conducted a webinar for Congressional staff explaining the new regulations and conveying FIRE's support for them.

FIRE wrote to congressional offices to communicate our concerns with the Confucius Act S.939, urging edits to ensure that the bill adequately protects academic freedom. FIRE also organized a grassroots lobbying campaign, communicated with the Department of Education, Congressional offices and OMB to urge the Department of Education to finalize and publish new Title IX Regulations. Once those regulations were finalized we conducted a webinar for Congressional staff explaining the new regulations and conveying FIRE's support for them.

FIRE wrote to congressional offices to communicate our concerns with the Confucius Act S.939, urging edits to ensure that the bill adequately protects academic freedom. FIRE also organized a grassroots lobbying campaign, communicated with the Department of Education, Congressional offices and OMB to urge the Department of Education to finalize and publish new Title IX Regulations. Once those regulations were finalized we conducted a webinar for Congressional staff explaining the new regulations and conveying FIRE's support for them.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

FIRE met with Congressional offices to discuss free speech on campus, including FIRE's support for H.R. 1672, the Free Right to Expression in Education Act, a bill that would prohibit public institutions from restricting speech to certain outdoor areas of campuses, often misleadingly labeled as "free speech zones." We also discussed how colleges should be addressing anti-Semitism on college campuses without violating the First Amendment. During those conversations FIRE shared its concerns about the President's Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. FIRE also met with the White House's Office For Management and Budget (OMB) to discuss FIRE's support for the pending regulations on the enforcement of Title IX. Department of Education staff called in to the meeting with OMB.

Most of FIRE's lobbying during this period was the writing and submission of our formal comment to the Department of Education on the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE advocated for student free speech and due process in the regulations and our comment is publicly available on our website. We later filed a supplemental comment to the department to respond to other comments that were filed in the process. Again, we advocated for student free speech and due process. On February 11, 2019, FIRE sent a letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo urging the State Department to avoid warrantless surveillance of Chinese nationals studying at U.S. Colleges. That letter is available on our website. FIRE had conversations with congressional offices regarding our concerns about the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852), which we oppose on free speech grounds. FIRE also spoke with congressional offices about the President's Executive Order on Campus Free Speech. Finally, FIRE had conversations with congressional offices about our support for The Free Right to Expression in Education Act (H.R. 1672) which would prohibit public colleges and universities from restricting student expression to misleadingly labelled "free speech" zones.

FIRE met with Congressional offices to discuss free speech on campus, including FIRE's support for H.R. 1672, the Free Right to Expression in Education Act, a bill that would prohibit public institutions from restricting speech to certain outdoor areas of campuses, often misleadingly labeled as "free speech zones." We also discussed how colleges should be addressing anti-Semitism on college campuses without violating the First Amendment. During those conversations FIRE shared its concerns about the President's Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. FIRE also met with the White House's Office For Management and Budget (OMB) to discuss FIRE's support for the pending regulations on the enforcement of Title IX. Department of Education staff called in to the meeting with OMB.

Most of FIRE's lobbying during this period was the writing and submission of our formal comment to the Department of Education on the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE advocated for student free speech and due process in the regulations and our comment is publicly available on our website. We later filed a supplemental comment to the department to respond to other comments that were filed in the process. Again, we advocated for student free speech and due process. On February 11, 2019, FIRE sent a letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo urging the State Department to avoid warrantless surveillance of Chinese nationals studying at U.S. Colleges. That letter is available on our website. FIRE had conversations with congressional offices regarding our concerns about the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852), which we oppose on free speech grounds. FIRE also spoke with congressional offices about the President's Executive Order on Campus Free Speech. Finally, FIRE had conversations with congressional offices about our support for The Free Right to Expression in Education Act (H.R. 1672) which would prohibit public colleges and universities from restricting student expression to misleadingly labelled "free speech" zones.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

Most of FIRE's lobbying during this period was the writing and submission of our formal comment to the Department of Education on the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE advocated for student free speech and due process in the regulations and our comment is publicly available on our website. We later filed a supplemental comment to the department to respond to other comments that were filed in the process. Again, we advocated for student free speech and due process. On February 11, 2019, FIRE sent a letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo urging the State Department to avoid warrantless surveillance of Chinese nationals studying at U.S. Colleges. That letter is available on our website. FIRE had conversations with congressional offices regarding our concerns about the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852), which we oppose on free speech grounds. FIRE also spoke with congressional offices about the President's Executive Order on Campus Free Speech. Finally, FIRE had conversations with congressional offices about our support for The Free Right to Expression in Education Act (H.R. 1672) which would prohibit public colleges and universities from restricting student expression to misleadingly labelled "free speech" zones.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

Most of FIRE's lobbying during this period was the writing and submission of our formal comment to the Department of Education on the pending Title IX regulations. FIRE advocated for student free speech and due process in the regulations and our comment is publicly available on our website. We later filed a supplemental comment to the department to respond to other comments that were filed in the process. Again, we advocated for student free speech and due process. On February 11, 2019, FIRE sent a letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo urging the State Department to avoid warrantless surveillance of Chinese nationals studying at U.S. Colleges. That letter is available on our website. FIRE had conversations with congressional offices regarding our concerns about the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852), which we oppose on free speech grounds. FIRE also spoke with congressional offices about the President's Executive Order on Campus Free Speech. Finally, FIRE had conversations with congressional offices about our support for The Free Right to Expression in Education Act (H.R. 1672) which would prohibit public colleges and universities from restricting student expression to misleadingly labelled "free speech" zones.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

FIRE communicated with congressional staff about free speech on college campuses. Specifically, we communicated our concerns over the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 852) and opposed it being added on as an amendment to the Equality Act (HR 2574); our support for the Free Right to Expression in Education Act (FREE Act, H.R. 1672); and our support for S. Res. 233 which promotes campus free speech.

FIRE had discussions with Congressional staffers about the pending Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. In particular we discussed campus free speech issues, freedom of association issues, and due process issues that FIRE would like to see addressed in the reauthorization. Some of these conversations were in the context of the PROSPER Act (H.R. 4508), while other conversations were focussed on FIRE's support of the FREE Act (S. 2394) which would prohibit public institutions of higher education from quarantining speech to misleadingly labeled free speech zones. FIRE also had communications with congressional staffers to urge congress to prohibit institutions of higher education from demanding students' passwords to their social media accounts. No bill is pending on this issue.

FIRE had discussions with Congressional staffers about the pending Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. In particular we discussed campus free speech issues, freedom of association issues, and due process issues that FIRE would like to see addressed in the reauthorization. Some of these conversations were in the context of the PROSPER Act (H.R. 4508), while other conversations were focussed on FIRE's support of the FREE Act (S. 2394) which would prohibit public institutions of higher education from quarantining speech to misleadingly labeled free speech zones. FIRE also had communications with congressional staffers to urge congress to prohibit institutions of higher education from demanding students' passwords to their social media accounts. No bill is pending on this issue.

FIRE testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on the topic of free speech on college campuses. We provided written and verbal testimony. FIRE also participated in an event at the Department of Justice focussing on free speech on campus. FIRE met with members of Congress to discuss free speech on campus, freedom of association on campus, and due process on campus. The meetings included discussion of FIRE's support for the FREE Act (S. 2394) and our opposition to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 2940, H.R. 5924). FIRE also had a meeting with members of Congress at the Library of Congress to discuss FIRE President Greg Lukianoff and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt's book, the Coddling of the American Mind. FIRE met with the officials at the Department of Education to discuss free speech on campus. The conversation also covered support for the Supreme Court's definition of peer-on-peer harassment set forth in Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education.

FIRE worked with Rep. Ron DeSantis on model legislation regarding the responsibility of institutions of higher education to combat peer-on-peer harassment in a manner that is constitutional. FIRE also had discussions with House Judiciary Committee staff regarding the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (H.R. 5924 and S.2940) and the FREE Act (S. 2394). FIRE met with Congressional staffers to promote the FREE Act.

FIRE met with staff at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who were joined by staff at the Department of Education to offer commentary on a preliminary draft of proposed regulations on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance. We argued in support of the First Amendment and due process protections in the draft and identified ways those protections could be strengthened. FIRE also met with staff for members of Congress in both chambers to discuss concerns about efforts to include the unconstitutional Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S.2940 and HR 5924) as a rider in the annual budget. We had additional meetings with Congressional offices to promote campus free speech and due process.

FIRE testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on the topic of free speech on college campuses. We provided written and verbal testimony. FIRE also participated in an event at the Department of Justice focussing on free speech on campus. FIRE met with members of Congress to discuss free speech on campus, freedom of association on campus, and due process on campus. The meetings included discussion of FIRE's support for the FREE Act (S. 2394) and our opposition to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 2940, H.R. 5924). FIRE also had a meeting with members of Congress at the Library of Congress to discuss FIRE President Greg Lukianoff and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt's book, the Coddling of the American Mind. FIRE met with the officials at the Department of Education to discuss free speech on campus. The conversation also covered support for the Supreme Court's definition of peer-on-peer harassment set forth in Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education.

FIRE worked with Rep. Ron DeSantis on model legislation regarding the responsibility of institutions of higher education to combat peer-on-peer harassment in a manner that is constitutional. FIRE also had discussions with House Judiciary Committee staff regarding the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (H.R. 5924 and S.2940) and the FREE Act (S. 2394). FIRE met with Congressional staffers to promote the FREE Act.

FIRE met with staff at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who were joined by staff at the Department of Education to offer commentary on a preliminary draft of proposed regulations on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance. We argued in support of the First Amendment and due process protections in the draft and identified ways those protections could be strengthened. FIRE also met with staff for members of Congress in both chambers to discuss concerns about efforts to include the unconstitutional Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S.2940 and HR 5924) as a rider in the annual budget. We had additional meetings with Congressional offices to promote campus free speech and due process.

FIRE testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on the topic of free speech on college campuses. We provided written and verbal testimony. FIRE also participated in an event at the Department of Justice focussing on free speech on campus. FIRE met with members of Congress to discuss free speech on campus, freedom of association on campus, and due process on campus. The meetings included discussion of FIRE's support for the FREE Act (S. 2394) and our opposition to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 2940, H.R. 5924). FIRE also had a meeting with members of Congress at the Library of Congress to discuss FIRE President Greg Lukianoff and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt's book, the Coddling of the American Mind. FIRE met with the officials at the Department of Education to discuss free speech on campus. The conversation also covered support for the Supreme Court's definition of peer-on-peer harassment set forth in Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education.

FIRE had discussions with Congressional staffers about the pending Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. In particular we discussed campus free speech issues, freedom of association issues, and due process issues that FIRE would like to see addressed in the reauthorization. Some of these conversations were in the context of the PROSPER Act (H.R. 4508), while other conversations were focussed on FIRE's support of the FREE Act (S. 2394) which would prohibit public institutions of higher education from quarantining speech to misleadingly labeled free speech zones. FIRE also had communications with congressional staffers to urge congress to prohibit institutions of higher education from demanding students' passwords to their social media accounts. No bill is pending on this issue.

FIRE had discussions with Congressional staffers about the pending Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. In particular we discussed campus free speech issues, freedom of association issues, and due process issues that FIRE would like to see addressed in the reauthorization. Some of these conversations were in the context of the PROSPER Act (H.R. 4508), while other conversations were focussed on FIRE's support of the FREE Act (S. 2394) which would prohibit public institutions of higher education from quarantining speech to misleadingly labeled free speech zones. FIRE also had communications with congressional staffers to urge congress to prohibit institutions of higher education from demanding students' passwords to their social media accounts. No bill is pending on this issue.

FIRE testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on the topic of free speech on college campuses. We provided written and verbal testimony. FIRE also participated in an event at the Department of Justice focussing on free speech on campus. FIRE met with members of Congress to discuss free speech on campus, freedom of association on campus, and due process on campus. The meetings included discussion of FIRE's support for the FREE Act (S. 2394) and our opposition to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 2940, H.R. 5924). FIRE also had a meeting with members of Congress at the Library of Congress to discuss FIRE President Greg Lukianoff and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt's book, the Coddling of the American Mind. FIRE met with the officials at the Department of Education to discuss free speech on campus. The conversation also covered support for the Supreme Court's definition of peer-on-peer harassment set forth in Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education.

FIRE worked with Rep. Ron DeSantis on model legislation regarding the responsibility of institutions of higher education to combat peer-on-peer harassment in a manner that is constitutional. FIRE also had discussions with House Judiciary Committee staff regarding the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (H.R. 5924 and S.2940) and the FREE Act (S. 2394). FIRE met with Congressional staffers to promote the FREE Act.

FIRE worked with Rep. Ron DeSantis on model legislation regarding the responsibility of institutions of higher education to combat peer-on-peer harassment in a manner that is constitutional. FIRE also had discussions with House Judiciary Committee staff regarding the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (H.R. 5924 and S.2940) and the FREE Act (S. 2394). FIRE met with Congressional staffers to promote the FREE Act.

FIRE testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on the topic of free speech on college campuses. We provided written and verbal testimony. FIRE also participated in an event at the Department of Justice focussing on free speech on campus. FIRE met with members of Congress to discuss free speech on campus, freedom of association on campus, and due process on campus. The meetings included discussion of FIRE's support for the FREE Act (S. 2394) and our opposition to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 2940, H.R. 5924). FIRE also had a meeting with members of Congress at the Library of Congress to discuss FIRE President Greg Lukianoff and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt's book, the Coddling of the American Mind. FIRE met with the officials at the Department of Education to discuss free speech on campus. The conversation also covered support for the Supreme Court's definition of peer-on-peer harassment set forth in Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education.

FIRE met with staff at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who were joined by staff at the Department of Education to offer commentary on a preliminary draft of proposed regulations on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance. We argued in support of the First Amendment and due process protections in the draft and identified ways those protections could be strengthened. FIRE also met with staff for members of Congress in both chambers to discuss concerns about efforts to include the unconstitutional Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S.2940 and HR 5924) as a rider in the annual budget. We had additional meetings with Congressional offices to promote campus free speech and due process.

FIRE testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on the topic of free speech on college campuses. We provided written and verbal testimony. FIRE also participated in an event at the Department of Justice focussing on free speech on campus. FIRE met with members of Congress to discuss free speech on campus, freedom of association on campus, and due process on campus. The meetings included discussion of FIRE's support for the FREE Act (S. 2394) and our opposition to the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S. 2940, H.R. 5924). FIRE also had a meeting with members of Congress at the Library of Congress to discuss FIRE President Greg Lukianoff and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt's book, the Coddling of the American Mind. FIRE met with the officials at the Department of Education to discuss free speech on campus. The conversation also covered support for the Supreme Court's definition of peer-on-peer harassment set forth in Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education.

FIRE worked with Rep. Ron DeSantis on model legislation regarding the responsibility of institutions of higher education to combat peer-on-peer harassment in a manner that is constitutional. FIRE also had discussions with House Judiciary Committee staff regarding the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (H.R. 5924 and S.2940) and the FREE Act (S. 2394). FIRE met with Congressional staffers to promote the FREE Act.

FIRE met with staff at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who were joined by staff at the Department of Education to offer commentary on a preliminary draft of proposed regulations on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance. We argued in support of the First Amendment and due process protections in the draft and identified ways those protections could be strengthened. FIRE also met with staff for members of Congress in both chambers to discuss concerns about efforts to include the unconstitutional Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (S.2940 and HR 5924) as a rider in the annual budget. We had additional meetings with Congressional offices to promote campus free speech and due process.

FIRE worked with Rep. Ron DeSantis on model legislation regarding the responsibility of institutions of higher education to combat peer-on-peer harassment in a manner that is constitutional. FIRE also had discussions with House Judiciary Committee staff regarding the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act (H.R. 5924 and S.2940) and the FREE Act (S. 2394). FIRE met with Congressional staffers to promote the FREE Act.

FIRE met with members of Congress as well as officials at the Departments of Justice and Education to discuss free speech and due process on college campuses and how to address anti-Semitism and harassment against students based on religion more generally. At the request of the House Judiciary Committee, FIRE analyzed and gave feedback regarding H.R. 1973.

FIRE promoted free speech, freedom of association, and due process on college campuses. FIRE met with staff for members of Congress to discuss these issues. Some of the discussions focussed on addressing anti-Semitism on campus in a manner that does not infringe on students' free speech rights. We also had meetings to discuss social media password protection for college students. FIRE also lobbied on H.R. 4508, the PROSPER Act, urging members of Congress to include provisions on the topics listed above.

FIRE promoted free speech, freedom of association, and due process on college campuses. FIRE met with staff for members of Congress to discuss these issues. Some of the discussions focussed on addressing anti-Semitism on campus in a manner that does not infringe on students' free speech rights. We also had meetings to discuss social media password protection for college students. FIRE also lobbied on H.R. 4508, the PROSPER Act, urging members of Congress to include provisions on the topics listed above.

FIRE met with congressional staffers to discuss the issue of campus sexual assault. We also did a training for congressional staffers on the same topic. We discussed the Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA- S. 590; H.R. 1310) , the Safe Campus Act (H.R. 3403), and the Fair Campus Act (H.R. 3408). FIRE is not endorsing any bills but explaining what we like and oppose in each bill. We are advocating that any final legislation on campus sexual assault include robust due process and procedural protections like the right to counsel and the right to exculpatory and inculpatory evidence. FIRE also met with congressional staffers to discuss efforts to eliminate overly restrictive speech codes on campus, threats to academic freedom, and overreach by the Department. There is no specific legislation pending on these issues.

FIRE met with Congressional Staffers to discuss the issue of campus sexual assault. We discussed the Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA-)S. 590 and H.R. 1310, the Safe Campus Act (H.R. 3403), and the Fair Campus Act (H.R. 3408). FIRE has not endorsed any of these bills. Instead we are explaining to Congress which provisions in each bill we like and which provisions we oppose. FIRE is advocating that any final legislation must include meaningful due process/ procedural protections, like the right to active assistance of counsel and the right to the disclosure of any exculpatory and inculpatory evidence known to a college. FIRE also met with Congressional staffers to discuss overly restrictive speech codes on college campuses and threats to academic freedom. No legislation is pending on those issues.

FIRE met with congressional staffers to discuss the issue of campus sexual assault. We discussed the Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA- S. 590; H.R. 1310) , the Safe Campus Act (H.R. 3403), and the Fair Campus Act (H.R. 3408). FIRE is not endorsing any bills but explaining what we like and oppose in each bill. We are advocating that any final legislation on campus sexual assault include robust due process and procedural protections like the right to counsel and the right to exculpatory and inculpatory evidence. FIRE also met with congressional staffers to discuss efforts to eliminate overly restrictive speech codes on campus and threats to academic freedom. There is no specific legislation pending on these issues.