$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’s 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 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 totaling $5 million will provide endowed support for the director position and the clinic, renaming it the Dr. Frank Stanton First Amendment Clinic.
“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.”
As inaugural director, Geronimo (LAW ’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’s 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.
“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.”
Originally published in the summer 2025 issue of Forward Thinking magazine