A recent study from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) reveals a complex and shifting landscape for free speech on U.S. college campuses, highlighting the impact of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination earlier this year. The report, based on data collected from nearly 63,000 students at over 250 institutions between January and June 2023, shows that 30% of students consider violence an acceptable response to some campus speeches—marking a slight decline from 34% in the previous year.
This year’s report describes 2023 as a “jarring year” for campus free expression, noting that Kirk’s death had a “profound impact” on student speech. Data collected shortly after the shooting found that especially conservative students and those attending Utah Valley University (UVU)—where Kirk was shot during an outdoor debate—felt less comfortable sharing their views. FIRE’s latest findings reaffirm that the assassination negatively affected the campus speech climate.
UVU’s standing declined sharply in the rankings, falling from 71st out of 257 schools last year to 210th out of 261 this year. The report cited the university’s decision to cancel a planned commencement address by Sharon McMahon, known as “America’s government teacher,” citing safety concerns linked to her comments following Kirk’s death. McMahon condemned the assassination but also acknowledged the harm caused by Kirk’s rhetoric and the actions of his followers. FIRE criticized UVU’s decision to forgo a featured speaker, describing it as a missed opportunity to affirm free expression, though it noted the university’s administrative support for speech rights grew, with student confidence rising from 29% to 42% in their administration’s protection of such rights.
The University of Chicago ranked highest nationally for free speech for the third time in seven years, while New York University placed last. NYU faced criticism for declining to feature artists associated with the anti-Israel boycott movement “No Music for Genocide” at its annual V100 concert and for canceling a 2025 panel hosted by the College Republicans titled “Immigrant Invasion.”
Other low-ranking institutions included the University of Washington, Texas State University, Northeastern University, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Texas State saw the largest drop in the report, plummeting from 112th to 259th place. The report points to several controversies at Texas State, including the firing of a professor following comments at an online socialist conference and the removal of a student who posted a video mocking Kirk’s assassination. Texas Governor Greg Abbott publicly called for the student’s expulsion, though reports are unclear whether the student was expelled or left voluntarily.
Despite these challenges, FIRE’s report offers a cautiously optimistic outlook. The average overall free speech score across institutions is the highest in seven years, with 140 schools earning passing grades compared to 91 last year. Notable improvements were seen at the University of California, Davis, which rose dramatically to 24th place, as well as Harvard, Barnard College, and Columbia University. Several institutions, including Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Dartmouth, have revised policies or taken public positions supporting free speech.
The report underscores persistent tensions around campus expression but also suggests gradual progress in some areas, reflecting a national debate over the balance between free expression and campus safety in the wake of high-profile incidents.