US campus free speech climate and FIRE rankings

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) released its annual report and rankings regarding the climate of free speech on American college campuses. A nationwide survey of approximately 63,000 students found that 31 percent of respondents believe some level of violence is acceptable to stop a campus speech, a slight decrease from 34 percent the previous year. Additionally, 50 percent of students find blocking others from attending a speech acceptable to some degree, and 69 percent believe shouting down a speaker is acceptable in some capacity.

Institutional rankings showed varying levels of protection for expression. The University of Chicago secured the top spot for the third time in seven years. However, the overall average score for campus free speech policies was 61 out of 100, a D-minus on the FIRE scale. Specific institutions received low marks, including Ohio State University, which received an ‘F’ grade, and several Utah universities such as Utah State University, the University of Utah, and Utah Valley University.

While some schools showed improvement in policies, survey data from Ohio State indicated that 44 percent of students reported holding back their opinions at least once or twice a month. FIRE President and CEO Greg Lukianoff noted a slight decline in students' willingness to tolerate violence or blockades to impede speech.