The Richard D. McLellan Prizes for Advancing Free Speech and Expression

Freedom of expression and the guarantees of the First Amendment are among our most cherished, and hard won, liberties. Their benefits can be hard to see, though they are fundamental to who we are as Americans.

Declining levels of civic literacy threaten to sever a younger generation from their country’s rich inheritance of order, justice, and freedom. The rise of disinformation through social media and curbs on free speech and expression on campuses, workplaces, public spaces, and corporate boardrooms, make advancing this most fundamental freedom an urgent task.

The Richard D. McLellan Prizes is a unique educational program administered by the Russell Kirk Center. Its aim is to help reshape the national conversation on issues surrounding the durability and prospects for the American tradition of free speech and expression as guaranteed in the U. S. Constitution’s First Amendment.

The McLellan Prizes draw attention to the central importance of the free speech tradition, particularly recognizing those doing the most important and exciting work in that area. These Prizes seek to support talented thinkers, creators, and communicators capable of rearticulating the perennial importance of the First Amendment, and transmitting a better understanding of the freedoms it secures for all.

The McLellan Prizes Will Encourage the Best in Creative Works to Champion Free Expression

Through the generous support of Richard D. McLellan, the Prizes program that bears his name will annually award a $50,000 prize that recognizes and encourages the best writing, creative works, actions, and new media communications in the area of Freedom of Speech and Expression. In addition, two outstanding writers will be awarded $12,500 summer research grants to pursue projects that enhance our understanding and advocacy of Free Speech. Together they will support those making an exceptional case for the ongoing necessity of the American tradition of free speech.

We believe that these awards will take their place among the most sought-after prizes and will provide a needed incentive for writers and related thinkers to advocate afresh for the central importance of the First Amendment’s defense of the freedom of speech.

While nominations are closed for 2024, more information about the McLellan Prizes for Advancing Free Speech and Expression, including 2025 eligibility and nomination criteria, will be announced later this fall.

For inquiries about the McLellan Prizes or about nominated work, please contact mclellanprizes at kirkcenter.org.