The New England First Amendment Coalition honors each year individuals who have promoted and defended the First Amendment throughout New England. During its annual ceremony, the coalition presents the Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award, the Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award, the Antonia Orfield Citizenship Award, and on occasion special recognition to those fighting for First Amendment rights or more transparency in government. Learn more about the awards and previous ceremonies.
September 18 | 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET | Invitation Only
Business Casual Attire Recommended
Tentative Schedule
| Reception | 5:30 p.m. |
| Ceremony Begins | 6:00 p.m. |
| Welcoming Remarks Justin Silverman | NEFAC Executive Director Gregory V. Sullivan | NEFAC President | 6:35 p.m. |
| Presentation of Antonia Orfield Citizenship Award Introduction Michael Champa | 2016 Orfield Award Recipient Acceptance Remarks TBA | 7:10 p.m. |
| Presentation of Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award Introduction Diane M. Foley | On Behalf of Her Late Son and 2015 Donoghue Award Recipient James W. Foley Acceptance Remarks TBA | 7:20 p.m. |
| Presentation of Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award Introduction TBA Acceptance Remarks Hon. William G. Young | U.S. District Court in Massachusetts | 7:30 p.m. |
| Closing Remarks Gregory V. Sullivan | NEFAC President | 8:00 p.m. |
| Dessert and Drinks (Outside Patio Weather Permitting) | 8:10 p.m. |
★ Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award
Hon. William G. Young | U.S. District Court in Massachusetts
The Hon. William G. Young is an active trial judge of 48 years, serving on both the Massachusetts Superior Court and the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Since he was nominated to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1985, Young decided several cases of First Amendment and open government significance. Last year, Young presided over American Association of University Professors (AAUP) v. Rubio, et. al., a case focused on federal efforts to deport individuals for their political speech.
“This case — perhaps the most important ever to fall within the jurisdiction of this district court — squarely presents the issue whether non-citizens lawfully present here in United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us,” Young wrote in his 2025 decision. “The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally ‘yes, they do’.”
★ Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award
TBA
★ Antonia Orfield Citizenship Award
TBA
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