- What We Do
- What we defend
- Have your rights been violated?
  If you face retaliation over protected speech, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
  Submit a Case
- Make a difference
- Take Action
  Across the nation, free speech rights are under attack. Join us in defending this essential quality of liberty. Make your voice heard and join a campaign.
  Protect Free Speech
- FIRE Student Network
  FIRE’s 2022 College Free Speech Rankings are based on the voices of more than 44,000 currently enrolled students at 208 colleges and are designed to help parents and prospective students choose the right school.
  Build Your Network
- Resources
- College Free Speech Rankings
  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2025 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
  Explore Rankings
- National Speech Index
  The National Speech Index is a new quarterly component of America’s Political Pulse, an ongoing weekly survey that will allow researchers to track shifting free speech sentiment in America over time.
  Learn More
Colleges
News
Cases
About Us
Submit a Case

University of California, Santa Cruz: Students Investigated for Adolf Hitler Birthday Party

Cases

University of California, Santa Cruz

Case Overview

FIRE Victory closed

On April 30, 2023, the University of California Santa Cruz announced an investigation of students for hosting a birthday party for Adolf Hitler. FIRE wrote UCSC on May 8, urging the university to drop its investigation, as even offensive expression is protected by the First Amendment. On July 5, UCSC dropped the investigation without punishment.

Share this selection via email