Information is Power: The First Amendment, Public Records, and the Press

  • Oct 27, 2025
  • 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
  • Library Reading Room, Beatley Library
The US Constitution showing "We The People"

Freedom of the press, access to public records, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are the tools that keep governments accountable and democracy strong. But those rights only matter if we actually use them.

In an age where access to information is increasingly challenged — and sometimes outright attacked — how can students, journalists, and everyday citizens step up to protect and exercise these freedoms?

Join us for an interactive mini-conference that shows you how to use the First Amendment and FOIA to uncover the truth, hold power accountable, and protect your future, led by experts who fight these battles every day.

Schedule

  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM | The First Amendment, Decoded
    Justin Silverman, Attorney & Executive Director of the New England First Amendment Coalition
    Get an insider's crash course on the First Amendment — what it really protects, why press freedom matters, and how it affects your daily life.
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Hacking Transparency: FOIA in Action
    Beryl Lipton, Journalist & Senior Investigative Researcher, Electronic Frontier Foundation
    Learn how to file a FOIA request like a pro. From requesting police records to uncovering hidden government data, see exactly how transparency tools work (with a live demo).
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM | Ask the Experts: Information Law, Press Cases, and You
    Greg Sullivan, Attorney & President of the New England First Amendment Coalition
    Bring your questions and curiosity for an open Q&A on the legal side of press rights. Explore real cases, landmark battles, and what's at stake for the future of free expression.

Register Now

Registration is recommended, but not required.

For more Information, please contact

Simmons Center for Information Literacy

Through interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement, the Simmons Center for Information Literacy strives to empower people with the skills to locate and access trustworthy information, strengthen civic participation, and support an informed and engaged society.