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  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
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Eastern Kentucky University

Public University

Richmond, Kentucky

Free Speech Rankings

We use real student experiences, university policies, and speech controversies to annually determine the free speech rankings. This year FIRE ranked 257 U.S. colleges and universities and College Pulse surveyed more than 68,000 students.

Explore College Free Speech Rankings

Campus Speech Climate

Overall Score out of 100 73.10
Overall Ranking out of 257 9
Speech Climate Grade C

Student Perceptions Rankings (out of 257 schools)

Openness 217
Administrative Support 11
Comfort Expressing Ideas 71
Disruptive Conduct 58
Self-Censorship 165
Political Tolerance 16

Campus Speech Policies

Spotlight Rating Green

Speech Controversies

Deplatformings 0
Scholars Under Fire 0
Students Under Fire 0
Honor Roll Statements 0

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