Keynote Speaker for Colleges & Universities

A story about free speech, identity, and what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself — told through music, humor, and a unanimous Supreme Court decision.

Simon Tam is an award-winning author, musician, and keynote speaker best known for winning Matal v. Tam — a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision that redefined First Amendment rights in trademark law. His work is documented in over 200 books and taught in thousands of classrooms across North America. As the founder of The Slants, the world's first all-Asian American dance rock band, and recipient of the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award and the ABA's Mark T. Banner Award, Simon brings rare credibility to conversations about free speech, identity, and civic engagement on campus.

He has spoken at hundreds of colleges and universities across four continents — and holds a world record for TEDx stage appearances.

Testimonials

  • Northeastern University School of Law

    “This presentation of stories and songs will have you at the edge of your seat.”

  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

    “Dance rock band front man Simon Tam sought to trademark The Slants. His aim was to reappropriate a term long used to disparage a minority group and to render the term a badge of pride. All of us agreed.”

  • Elizabeth M. Squires, Knowledge at Wharton/UPenn

    “Simon Tam’s legal fight turned an obscure trademark law into mainstream conversation about free speech and identity.”

  • Ronny Chieng

    Ronny Chieng, The Daily Show

    "The story of The Slants is the perfect vehicle to discuss the realities of being an Asian artist in America."

  • Peter Wogan, Professor of Global Cultural Studies at Willamette University

    “Out of all the presentations I’ve seen in 26 years at Willamette, that was definitely one of the very best. This story is incredibly important and inspirational.”

Who Books Simon

Simon's university keynotes are a fit for law school organizations, multicultural and Asian American student programs, first-year experience and orientation, civic engagement and democracy initiatives, first amendment programming, and DEI speaker series. Talks can be tailored for general student audiences or specialist academic contexts, and are suitable for convocations, department events, heritage month programming, and academic conferences.

Simon's keynotes are unlike most campus speakers. Original live music woven into storytelling creates an experience audiences remember years later — described as Broadway theatre meets TED talk. Available as a full keynote with music, a lecture-format presentation, a Q&A session, or a combination. Virtual events available.

Teaching Matal v. Tam? Free educator resources →

Ready to Book Simon for your Event?

If you’re interested in having Simon Tam speak at your event, please complete the information here. All opportunities, including classroom visits, virtual events, and charity/cause-driven events will be considered.