AGU Fall Meeting 2026: Understanding the Current State of Academic Freedom and Scientific Research

Monday, December 7, 2026 | 8:30am – 12pm PST | South – Poster Hall (Hall ABC)

Over the last year, the scientific community has rallied against unprecedented attacks on academic freedom, including government suppression and censorship in university classrooms, and the upending of America’s vaunted merit-based grantmaking process. For many public scholars and researchers, it is difficult to navigate the current legal landscape around these issues.

In this session, the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund will dissect the status of academic freedom in America — the various legislative and administrative attacks happening across the country, the current realities surrounding the public funding of science, and the relevant litigation primed to reach the Supreme Court. We will also provide a primer on your First Amendment rights, so that you can engage in the scientific endeavor with minimal personal and professional risk.

Click here for more information.

CSLDF attorneys are also providing free, confidential meetings to scientists from all disciplines who have legal questions or concerns related to their work. Zoom or phone consultations are also available.

Please click here for more information, or email lawyer@csldf.org for info or to schedule a session.