- 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
- Subscribe to FIRE Updates
  Subscribe to receive emails and texts about FIRE's work and upcoming events.
  Subscribe
- 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
- Resources
- College Free Speech Rankings
  Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the 2026 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 Tennessee

Public University

Knoxville, Tennessee

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 67.40
Overall Ranking out of 257 36
Speech Climate Grade D+

Student Perceptions Rankings (out of 257 schools)

Openness 182
Administrative Support 24
Comfort Expressing Ideas 195
Disruptive Conduct 130
Self-Censorship 207
Political Tolerance 126

Campus Speech Policies

Spotlight Rating Green

Speech Controversies

Deplatformings 0
Scholars Under Fire 1
Students Under Fire 1
Honor Roll Statements 1

Share this selection via email