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Hello
John,
I am reaching out to inform you of some exciting news about our Richard D. McLellan Prizes for Advancing Free Speech and Expression ([link removed]) . The second annual McLellan Prizes event will take place on Wednesday, November 19, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Nominations are now open for all McLellan Prizes!

As you can appreciate, America’s First Amendment tradition is at risk. No less a figure than Justice Samuel Alito has warned that freedom of speech on campuses and in many corridors of American society is imperiled. “Troubled waters are slamming against some of our most fundamental principles,” he said. “Support for freedom of speech is declining dangerously, especially where it should find deepest acceptance.”

Thankfully, the trend away from free speech is reversible. The Kirk Center believes that it is important to highlight the people and programs who will reverse the tide, demonstrate the connections between rights and duties, and uphold our tradition of ordered liberty. To that end, we established the McLellan Prizes to honor praiseworthy examples of cultural renewal.
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Learn more about the Richard D. McLellan Prizes at the Russell Kirk Center.

The Kirk Center now annually awards a $50,000 grand prize that recognizes and encourages the best writing, creative works, actions, and new media communications defending free speech and expression.

In addition, promising writers will be awarded $12,500 free speech research and writing grants to pursue projects that enhance our understanding and advocacy of Free Speech rights.

Together, the main prize and research and writing grants will support those making an outstanding case for the perennial wisdom and ongoing necessity of the American tradition of free speech.

I encourage you to nominate worthy candidates for the main McLellan Prize of $50,000. Also, I would encourage promising journalists and scholars to apply for our free speech research and writing grants. These individuals, groups, publications, or organizations will go a long way to advancing our understanding of and appreciation for freedom of speech and of all our First Amendment freedoms. More information and the nomination and applications can be found on our website here ([link removed]) .

I hope you will help us realize the promise of the McLellan Prizes. And please plan to join us on November 19 at the National Press Club in Washington for a celebratory night to remember. Save the date!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey O. Nelson, Ph.D.
Executive Director & CEO

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