FIRE rankings assign low free speech grades to several US universities

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has released its annual rankings regarding the climate of free speech on American college campuses. The report indicates varying levels of protection for expression across several institutions.

Ohio State University received an “F” grade with an overall score of 58.18 out of 100, dropping 50 spots from the previous year. Survey data from the university showed that 44 percent of students reported holding back their opinions at least once or twice a month, while over half found it difficult to have honest conversations regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict or President Donald Trump.

In Utah, three universities received low marks. Utah State University earned a “D,” the University of Utah received a “D-,” and Utah Valley University was assigned an “F.” Despite these scores, FIRE President and CEO Greg Lukianoff noted some progress in campus policies and a slight decline in students' willingness to tolerate violence or blockades to impede speech.