FOIFT First Amendment Institute

Hilton Fort Worth
(815 Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76102)

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas' (FOIFT) First Amendment Institute (FAI), a week-long seminar to review the importance of the First Amendment, will take place June 8-13 in Fort Worth.

The FAI meets for one week in the summer, with daily class sessions devoted to the concentrated study of the freedoms granted in the First Amendment: speech, press, religion, assembly and petition.

A faculty of experts presents the Institute for a select group of applicants who study the history and philosophical concepts protected by the First Amendment and how they relate to current issues.

While lectures and selected text readings are a part of the experience, guided discussion and interaction play a vital part in the sessions as well.

The FAI faculty are veteran First Amendment teachers and scholars, and each is selected for their expertise in a precise area of the curriculum. They represent leading legal practices, law schools and journalism schools from across the nation, and represent more than 200 years of teaching experience.

Upon completion of the program, graduates may become members of the First Amendment Institute's alumni group, which provides continuing education, networking and support.

Participants have included citizens from a broad spectrum of interests including legal, broadcast and print media, public relations, academic, government, business and concerned citizens.

Applications may be submitted by individuals or sponsoring organizations.

Anyone can apply for the program, however, the number of participants each year is limited. The deadline to register is May 1.

Tuition for the Institute is $1,500. Interested broadcasters should note that a limited amount of scholarship money is available.

E-mail the FOIFT office for more information or call (214) 977-6658.

Registration information...