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Melissa Shane is a Policy Reform Program Associate at ¹û¶³´«Ã½app¹Ù·½. A Kentucky native, she earned her degree in Political Science and Public Policy Analysis from Emory University, where she was heavily involved on campus. During her time as an undergrad, she served as president of the pre-law fraternity, an editor of the undergraduate law journal, and an orientation leader. Most notably, she was one of only two undergraduates appointed to the University’s Committee for Open Expression, where she helped address violations of Emory’s free speech policy. By her senior year, she had conducted research on campus expression that informed later revisions to Emory’s Open Expression Policy.

Melissa’s passion for defending expressive rights grew from her appreciation for dialogue across differences and her firsthand experience with the challenges to free speech on campus. From torn down flyers to stifled classroom conversations, her experiences emboldened her commitment to the First Amendment and ultimately led her to be an undergraduate FIREintern.

Now, as a full-time member of the Policy Reform team, Melissa is excited to continue advocating for free speech and expression through improving campus policies nationwide.

Outside of work, Melissa can be found attending concerts, knitting blankets, playing Far Cry, or discussing pop culture.