Table of Contents
Greg: Brandeis’ Censorship Problem Didn’t Begin with Hirsi Ali
Last week, Brandeis University reversed its decision to grant an honorary degree to women’s rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali because of her criticism of Islam. It is unfortunate that Brandeis’ class of 2014 was denied the opportunity to hear Hirsi Ali speak at commencement, but the controversy is a symptom of a much deeper problem—both at Brandeis and across the country. FIRE President Greg Lukianoff puts the incident in context in an article for The Huffington Post today with a reminder of Brandeis’ worrying past on free speech issues and of what’s at stake for the future.
Recent Articles
Get the latest free speech news and analysis from FIRE.
Trinity College bans political activism over chalkboard messages
FIRE calls on Trinity to end its investigation into the matter and remove any existing policy prohibiting “political activism within academic settings.”
Join FIRE’s Free Speech Forum this summer in Washington, D.C.
Spend a week in D.C. exploring free speech, building advocacy skills, and connecting with future leaders — all for free at FIRE’s 2026 Forum!
FIRE poll: 90% of undergrads believe words can be violence even after killing of Charlie Kirk
Ninety one percent of undergraduate students believe that words can be violence, according to a new poll by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and College Pulse.
If free speech only matters when convenient, it isn’t free at all
Free speech isn’t a perk for agreeable views. It’s a civic discipline we need most when it stings.