First Things First: A Discussion on the First Amendment, the Right to Protest, & the Rule of Law

The rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are essential for the proper functioning of a responsive democracy. Too frequently, the First Amendment’s core freedoms are ignored or weaponized to suit the political and policy priorities of those in power. The U.S. Supreme Court inconsistently applies longstanding First Amendment jurisprudence, ignoring precedents they deem inconvenient. The Administration targets those whose speech it disfavors, from law firms to private individuals. State and local governments are quick to criminalize protected protest activity to stifle dissent and chill social movements. These actions raise important questions as to whether our legal and political systems can safeguard First Amendment rights for all, or whether skewed and selective application of these freedoms will become the norm. Join ACS and NLG’s Duquesne Chapters for a discussion on the Right to Boycott , how weakened rule of law can affect the protection of these rights, and what we can do about it.

Love Letters to Legislators

The event will give undergraduate and law students a structured opportunity to write to their legislators. Undergraduates will also hear from a panel of law students about their paths to law school, day-to-day experiences, and advice for law school.

ACS Executive Meeting – February

ACS Executive Board meeting for February. Meeting to discuss remainder of the spring semester programming and prepare for upcoming event later in February.

ICE and the Constitution in Minnesota: A Faculty-Led Panel Discussion

Professors at Mitchell Hamline, including Professors Raleigh Levine, Peter Larsen, and Ana Acosta will be on a panel discussing the constitutional issues raised by ICE’s current and recent activity in Minnesota. This includes discussion of the Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo shadow docket ruling and Justice Kavanaugh's concurrence, which has given rise to "Kavanaugh stops." Additional tentative topics will include the following: addressing the ACLU's recent litigation; First Amendment and Tenth Amendment concerns; and the tensions around right to protest and federalism. Professors on the panel have also been encourage to be prepared for students questions on these topics and given the quickly changing circumstances in Minnesota, to adjust the conversation topics as needed.

Gallery of Heroes: A Tribute to Black Legal Pioneers

2nd Annual Gallery of Heroes: A Tribute to Black Legal Pioneers.

Join us for an inspiring exhibition and awards ceremony as we pay tribute to the extraordinary African American legal pioneers who have broken barriers, shaped history, and paved the way for future generations. This powerful celebration honors their enduring legacy and the transformative impact of their work in the pursuit of justice. 

February 17, 2026

4:00-8:00 PM

CLJ Atrium

Dinner will be provided.

ACS & Jenner & Block: Former Acting Solicitor General Ian Gershengorn

Join ACS and Jenner & Block for a discussion on current issues in constitutional law and the transition between private practice and public service with Ian Gershengorn and Rachel Alpert on Tuesday, February 17 at 12:30 p.m. in Pound 101. Gershengorn formerly served as acting Solicitor General of the United States and Alpert served as chief counsel of the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Attendees estimated to be 50.