A 2020 list focused on free speech on college campuses found that the University of Chicago ranked highest, followed in sequence by Kansas State University, Texas A&M University, University of California, Los Angeles and Arizona State University, the FIRE reported.
At the bottom of the list were Syracuse University, Dartmouth College, Louisiana State University, University of Texas and DePauw University.
“These rankings provide proof that your choice of college can make a real difference in your ability to speak your mind,” said FIRE Executive Director Robert Shibley. “Campus leaders no longer have an excuse for remaining ignorant about students who feel muzzled on their campuses. One thing is for sure: colleges have a lot of work to do.”
Seven of the top 10 colleges in the rankings are public and one of the top 10 is located in the Northeast.
Additionally, 60% of students reported feeling they could not express opinions because of how students, professors or administrations would respond. The survey also found that more than 40% of students – and 66% of Black students, said race was a difficult topic to have an open, honest conversation about on campus.
