Satire is not a crime
When Stanford University launched an investigation into Nicholas Wallace over a satirical email, FIRE sprang into action so he wouldn’t miss graduation.
Free Speech
What We Defend
Freedom of speech is a human right and a fundamental American freedom. It’s essential for democracy, scientific progress, artistic expression, social justice, peace, and each individual’s ability to live authentically.
At FIRE, we believe free speech is a force for good.
We also know it’s under threat.
FIRE’s vision is an America in which people overwhelmingly believe in the right of others to freely express views different from their own, and expect their laws and educational institutions to reflect and teach this belief.
Arguments for freedom: The many reasons why free speech is essential
Newsdesk
FIRE’s award-winning Newsdesk covers the free speech news you need to stay informed.
No student should ever face the threat of a degree hold for exercising their free speech rights.
Have your free speech rights been violated?
If you face retaliation over protected speech, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
How Does Your School Compare?
College Rankings
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.
| Rank | School | Overall | Speech Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Chicago Private | 77.92/100 | Green |
| 2 | Kansas State University Public | 76.2/100 | Green |
| 3 | Purdue University Public | 75.81/100 | Green |
| 4 | Mississippi State University Public | 74.72/100 | Green |
| 5 | Oklahoma State University - Stillwater Public | 74.35/100 | Yellow |
| 6 | Claremont McKenna College Private | 72.65/100 | Green |
| 7 | University of North Carolina - Greensboro Public | 68.72/100 | Green |
| 8 | Northern Arizona University Public | 68.5/100 | Green |
| 9 | North Carolina State University - Raleigh Public | 67.93/100 | Green |
| 10 | Oregon State University Public | 67.42/100 | Green |
Defending Your Rights
FIRE defends and sustains the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the essential qualities of liberty — and carries out this mission through several core services.
Legal Support
In the Courts
Facing censorship or retaliation for protected speech? FIRE lawyers are here to help you when your free speech rights are violated.
Individual Rights Advocacy
Helping You
FIRE’s signature, core 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.
College Policy Reform
Changing Higher Ed
FIRE’s College Policy Reform team works to proactively and systematically challenge campus policies that violate the free speech rights of students and faculty.
Legislative Policy Reform
Changing Laws
FIRE defends your individual rights at both the state and federal level by advocating on behalf of rights-protective legislation and against proposed laws that would abridge those rights.
FIRE’s Guide to Free Speech on Campus
Resources
Too many college campuses silence students who dare exercise their right to free expression. For a more thorough analysis of your expressive rights at colleges and universities, consult FIRE’s Guide to Free Speech on Campus.
Join the Fight to Defend Free Speech
Get involved and help FIRE protect free speech for all Americans.
Faculty Network
The FIRE Faculty Network is a coalition of college faculty interested in promoting and defending free expression and academic freedom at their institutions.
Student Network
The FIRE Student Network is a coalition of college students who recognize the importance of advancing civil liberties on their campuses.
Donate to FIRE
Help us build a movement and promote a strong culture of free speech by supporting FIRE with a donation today.
Watch Trailer
FIRE’s Feature Documentary: ‘Mighty Ira’
Amid high-profile controversies surrounding free speech and racial equality, former ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser reflects on his life at the forefront of defending the rights of all Americans.
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.
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.
400k
In 2022, FIRE’s College Policy Reform team won 46 victories at 23 schools affecting 400,000 students.
Free Speech Resources
Lessons for College Students
Orientation
Resources for incoming students about their free speech rights on college campuses.
Free Speech Zones
Be Yourself
Limiting your free speech rights to “free speech zones” is wrong. Here’s why.
History of Free Speech
Timeline
Explore the history of free speech from the Magna Carta to the Supreme Court using our interactive timeline.
K-12 Free Speech Curriculum
For Teachers
For educators who want to enrich and supplement their existing instruction on First Amendment and freedom of expression issues in middle and high school classrooms.
The Case for Radically Free Speech
Lesson
In this course, you’ll learn about how the right to freedom of speech has evolved over human history, how it promotes peace in society and uplifts minority voices, and why censorship is never the answer to dissident speech.
FIRE Statement on Free Speech and Online Payment Processors
Issues
Online payment processors like Venmo and PayPal often deny Americans access to these vital services based on their speech or viewpoints. When these companies appoint themselves the arbiters of what speech and views are acceptable, shutting people and organizations out of the online financial ecosystem for wrongthink, they seriously undermine our culture of free expression.
Our Advocacy, Your Rights
Learn more about how FIRE advocates for your rights.
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