# US college free speech climate rankings > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-college-free-speech-climate-rankings > Updated: 2026-09-19T15:07:21.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has released reports evaluating free speech climates across American colleges. Initial findings indicated that nearly half of the 261 institutions surveyed received an ‘F’ grade, with the University of Chicago earning the top rank and New York University ranking last. The report noted that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been the most difficult subject for students to discuss openly for three years. Subsequent details regarding specific institutions showed varying results. Northeastern University received a failing grade, ranking 258th out of 261. While the university showed increases in political tolerance, it saw declines in administrative support and comfort regarding the expression of ideas. The University of Connecticut also received a failing grade, ranking 195th. At UConn, 36% of students reported self-censoring on campus at least once or twice a month, though a university spokesperson noted the FIRE survey represents less than 1% of the student enrollment. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: FIRE report ranks Northeastern and UConn low for free speech The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) report ranks Northeastern University and the University of Connecticut among the lowest for campus free speech climates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fire-report-ranks-northeastern-and-uconn-low-for-free-speech ### 2026-09-08: University of Chicago tops free speech rankings amid NYC protest tensions A FIRE report ranks the University of Chicago first for campus free speech while NYU ranks last. Meanwhile, antisemitic rhetoric has surfaced in NYC protests against housing redevelopment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-chicago-tops-free-speech-rankings-amid-nyc-protest-tensions --- Cite as: US college free speech climate rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-college-free-speech-climate-rankings