What We Defend

2024 College Free Speech Rankings

FIRE's 2024 College Free Speech Rankings are based on the voices of more than 55,000 students at 248 colleges and universities, and are designed to help parents and prospective students choose the right school.

See the Rankings

Read the Report

Rank School Overall Speech Code
1 Michigan Technological University Public 78/100 Green
2 Auburn University Public 72/100 Green
3 University of New Hampshire Public 72/100 Green
4 Oregon State University Public 71/100 Green
5 Florida State University Public 69/100 Green
6 University of Virginia Public 68/100 Green
7 Texas A&M University - College Station Public 67/100 Green
8 George Mason University Public 67/100 Green
9 University of North Carolina - Greensboro Public 67/100 Green
10 University of Colorado Boulder Public 66/100 Green

Defending Free Speech Since 1999

FIRE’s team of experienced advocates has decades of experience protecting free speech both on and off college campuses. Learn more about how FIRE’s experts can help you.

Wooden gavel on table close up.

Facing Retaliation for Protected Speech?

In the Courts

Facing censorship or retaliation for protected speech? FIRE’s lawyers are here to help Americans whose free speech rights are violated.

Learn More

University of Illinois college campus in Urbana Champaign Leigh Trail / Shutterstock.com

Need help? FIRE is ready.

Helping Your

FIRE’s signature defense program provides free, non-legal assistance to individuals whose fundamental civil liberties are violated, with a special focus on college students, professors, student media, and campus groups.

FIRE's Campus Advocacy

Spotlight on Speech Codes 2021

Challenging Censorship on Campus

Changing Higher Ed

FIRE’s College Policy Reform team works to proactively and systematically challenge campus policies that violate the rights of students and faculty on campus.

FIRE's COLLEGE POLICY REFORMS

Chamber of the Idaho House of Representatives in 2018.

Working With Legislators

Changing Laws

FIRE advocates for individual rights at both the state and federal level by advocating on behalf of rights-protective legislation and against proposed laws that threaten student and faculty rights.

FIRE’s Legislative Priorities

policies report documents

Free Speech Curriculum

Helping Teachers

FIRE’s free speech curriculum helps educators enrich and supplement their existing instruction on First Amendment and freedom of expression issues in middle and high school classrooms.

First Amendment Resources for Teachers

Home and Abroad

International Rights

FIRE monitors colleges and universities that maintain policies that sharply limit students’ speech rights abroad and raise questions about how academic institutions should handle conflicts between American expressive rights and repressive policies in other countries.

Learn More About Your Rights

Free speech news: NetChoice, Taylor Swift, October 7, and Satan

On today's free speech news roundup, we discuss the recent NetChoice oral argument, Taylor Swift, doxxing, October 7 fallout on campus, and Satan in Iowa. Joining us on the show are Alex Morey, FIRE director of Campus Rights Advocacy; Aaron...

Mary Hall-Rayford
Every resident should have the freedom to express their thoughts about what happens in their community. Mayor Owens may not want to hear our feedback, but we have the right to speak up. Change doesn’t happen when people sit quietly.

FIRE sues Michigan mayor who shouted down constituents at city council meeting

Our Impact

Monique Owens, mayor of Eastpointe, Michigan, repeatedly interrupted and silenced Mary Hall-Rayford, a community activist, former chaplain, and school board member who attempted to speak at a city council meeting. 

Read Mary's Story

Sports announcers and the words "Taking a knee for what?"

WATCH: Two announcers argue over a player’s kneeling protest, highlighting the importance of free speech.

FIRE’s football comedy video could go all the way

Whether it’s in protest or in support of a cause, sports are no place for activism – unless of course we agree with that activism. But when it comes to free speech, FIRE is all in. 

READ: FIRE launches free speech campaign with primetime college football ad

FIRE’s 10 common-sense reforms for colleges and universities

America’s colleges and universities have been engines of discovery and knowledge, but many institutions have strayed from their core missions. As colleges and universities look to regain trust, their leaders should recommit to their institutions’ core values. They can start with these 10 common-sense reforms.

Read FIRE's Reforms for America's Colleges and Universities

young mix race students group at campus yard education concept college friends relaxing and walking in front of university building exterior horizontal full length
Aerial view of college campus buildings

Support the Fight for Free Speech

Get Involved

Help us build a new free speech movement and promote a strong culture of free speech by supporting FIRE with a donation today. Please join us in this important work!

Donate to FIRE

Aerial view of college campus buildings

Get Involved

Free speech is under threat on college campuses. Here’s how you can make a difference.

Opportunities With FIRE

"FIRE Free Speech Leadership Summit Launch" surrounded by speech bubbles

Free Speech Leadership Summit

Get Involved

Join the next generation of free speech leaders for the inaugural FIRE Free Speech Leadership Summit in Philadelphia from June 23 to 29. The summit is a free, week-long summer program for college-bound rising 9th through 12th graders who are interested in free speech. Students will gain a thorough understanding of free speech, including what it is, why it’s important, and how it empowers all of us to solve real-world problems and achieve our full potential. 

Learn More

400k

In 2022, FIRE’s College Policy Reform team won 46 victories at 23 schools affecting 400,000 students.

529

Since 1999, FIRE has won 529 defense victories at 315 colleges and universities.

1,400

In 2022, FIRE vetted nearly 1,400 case submissions involving individuals and groups who said their rights were threatened.

70

In 2022 alone, FIRE’s Campus Rights Advocacy team won 70 campus rights victories, impacting the rights of thousands of college students and faculty.

Share