As a longtime president of CBS, Frank Stanton was a staunch defender of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, firmly believing in the freedom of expression and the role of the media to inform the public and hold power accountable. Today, nearly 20 years after his death, the Stanton Foundation carries that legacy forward.
Over the years, the Stanton Foundation has provided more than $1.5 million in grants to fund First Amendment initiatives at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, ultimately establishing the First Amendment Clinic in the school’s Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic.
Now, two additional commitments from the foundation totalling $5 million will provide endowed support for the director position and the clinic, renaming it the Dr. Frank Stanton First Amendment Clinic.
“Over the past 10 years, the First Amendment Clinic, under Director Andrew Geronimo’s leadership, has steadfastly defended citizens’ First Amendment rights across the political spectrum and focused on core First Amendment issues. The Kramer Law Clinic has provided a welcoming institutional home.” said Liz Allison, co-director of the Stanton Foundation. “We are proud to continue Frank’s legacy by partnering with Case Western Reserve to grow this clinic as a vital resource for the community, the entire state of Ohio and for the next generation of lawyers and advocates.”
Through the clinic, third-year law students at CWRU gain invaluable experience serving as Certified Legal Interns and, guided by experienced attorneys, offering pro bono litigation services to those who rely on the First Amendment to collect and publish information, freely criticize the government, and express differing viewpoints on matters of public concern.
“We are grateful for the Stanton Foundation’s continued investment in our school and our students,” said CWRU School of Law Dean Paul Rose. “As an academic institution, we have a responsibility to train our students to protect these fundamental rights. The foundation’s support for the Dr. Frank Stanton First Amendment Clinic helps us continue this critical work in defending free speech and training the leaders of tomorrow.”
As inaugural director, Geronimo (LAW ’10) has a special connection to the clinic, having returned to CWRU law seven years after his graduation as the Stanton Foundation First Amendment Fellow. Since the clinic was established, students and faculty have represented dozens of clients in defense of free speech.
“I am incredibly grateful to so many students and attorney fellows for their excellent work on our clients’ behalf, and particularly to Liz Allison and the Stanton Foundation for believing in our work and funding it at CWRU in perpetuity,” said Geronimo. “This gift will allow us not only to continue this important work for our clients, but also to take on more ambitious projects, expand opportunities for students and better support our dedicated attorneys.”