$5 million from Stanton Foundation to expand reach of First Amendment Clinic
As a longtime president of CBS, Frank Stanton was a staunch defender of the U.S. Constitution鈥檚 First Amendment, with a firm belief 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 杏吧视频 School of Law, ultimately establishing the First Amendment Clinic in the school鈥檚 Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic.
Now, two additional commitments from the foundation totaling $5 million will provide endowed support for the director position and the clinic, renaming it the Dr. Frank Stanton First Amendment Clinic.
鈥淭he First Amendment Clinic, under Director Andrew Geronimo鈥檚 leadership, has steadfastly defended citizens鈥 First Amendment rights
across the political spectrum and focused on core First Amendment issues. The Kramer Law Clinic has provided a welcoming institutional
home,鈥 said Liz Allison, co-director of the Stanton Foundation. 鈥淲e are proud to continue Frank鈥檚 legacy by partnering with 杏吧视频 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.鈥
As inaugural director, Geronimo (LAW 鈥10) oversees third-year law students who serve as certified legal interns through the clinic. Guided by experienced attorneys, students provide 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.
Two years ago, for example, a journalist delivering a live, on-air report of a gubernatorial press conference was ordered by law enforcement officials to stop broadcasting. When the journalist refused, citing his First Amendment rights, he was arrested with such
force that he sustained injuries.
CWRU law students and faculty members, including Geronimo, defended the journalist and helped him obtain a settlement to compensate for injuries and cover legal fees. It鈥檚 just one example of how the clinic is not only providing students with real-life experience
in court, but also helping maintain freedom of expression.
鈥淚 am incredibly grateful to so many students and attorney fellows for their excellent work on our clients鈥 behalf, and particularly to Liz Allison and the Stanton Foundation for believing in our work and funding it at CWRU in perpetuity,鈥 said Geronimo. 鈥淭his 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.鈥
Originally published in the summer 2025 issue of Forward Thinking magazine