student engagement

The Federalist Society with Ashly Hancock

The Wayne State University Law School’s Federalist Society chapter is part of a national network founded in 1982 to encourage open discourse, intellectual diversity, and the respectful exchange of ideas and dialogue necessary for a healthy democracy. The Wayne chapter creates opportunities for students to engage directly with judges, scholars, and practitioners through lively debates, lectures, and panels. Membership is open to all students, regardless of ideology, and the group’s mission is educational, not political.

Ashly Hancock, president of the Wayne Law Federalist Society, explains how the chapter brings diverse viewpoints to campus and builds community.

Wayne Lawyer: For readers who may not be familiar, can you introduce the Wayne Law Federalist Society and its mission?

Ashly Hancock: Our chapter is entirely student-led and focused on education. We host debates, lectures, and panels with scholars, judges, and practitioners to expose students to viewpoints they may not encounter in the classroom. By partnering with groups like The Federalist Society Michigan Lawyers Chapter, we give students chances for intellectual engagement, professional development, and networking. Membership is open to everyone, regardless of ideology, and our goal is to create a welcoming space for discussion rather than to promote any political stance. We remain committed to fostering an environment on campus where students, faculty, and guest speakers from all perspectives feel safe to share their views. Our goal is to encourage spirited but respectful debate in the pursuit of truth and understanding.

WL: How does your chapter fit into the larger network of Federalist Society chapters across the country?

AH: The Federalist Society is a national organization with several divisions: Students Divisions, Lawyers Divisions, Faculty Divisions, as well as Local and State Young Lawyers Chapters and Lawyers Chapters. Often, these groups host events or happy hours with guest speakers and invite our members to join, giving us networking opportunities with judges, lawyers, and practitioners. The Federalist Society encourages chapters to focus on debates and panels so students can hear a broad range of perspectives and form their own opinions. We aim to foster a community where people feel comfortable sharing their views on principles like individual freedom, limited government, and judicial restraint. The Federalist Society itself is not political, and members and leaders are prohibited from endorsing candidates, legislation, or ballot initiatives.

WL: What types of events, discussions, or initiatives does the Federalist Society typically organize at Wayne Law?

AH: Topics planned for the fall semester include DOGE, Mahmoud v. Taylor Debate and a Tiers of Scrutiny Panel. The group is also considering a collaboration with the Environmental Law Society for an event in January, hosting another career panel after last year’s success, and developing programs on recent Supreme Court free speech cases or presidential powers.

The Wayne Law Federalist Society believes that healthy debate is essential for learning. Hancock emphasizes that everyone should feel comfortable sharing their viewpoint and know it is respected. Creating space for the entirety of the spectrum of opinion allows students to learn about all sides of the conversation without fear of judgment or retaliation. Only by encouraging open dialogue, true to the Society’s founding principles of open discourse, intellectual diversity, and the respectful exchange of ideas, can we help people form their own opinions and ultimately move toward a more united society.

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