The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic has been named a recipient of the James Madison Award, presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas (FOIFT).

An August 20 press release issued by the university stated that the First Amendment Clinic is being honored for its work protecting the constitutional rights of free speech and free press.

According to the release, the FOIFT bestows the James Madison Award on those who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the principles of the First Amendment and open government.

The release further explained that the First Amendment Clinic focuses on issues relating to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly and petition.

The First Amendment Clinic’s director, Thomas S. Leatherbury, said in the release that the program is "incredibly honored" to be recognized with the FOIFT’s James Madison Award.

Leatherbury added that since late 2020, with support from the Stanton Foundation, students have worked to advance and protect Texans’ First Amendment rights in courts, administrative proceedings, and in the Legislature.

The release noted that FOIFT has presented the James Madison Award every year since 1987. Among its honorees are journalists, attorneys, public officials, and vigilant citizens and organizations.

The First Amendment Clinic will receive the accolade at the FOIFT state conference in Austin next month.