A new report gave U.S. colleges failing marks on free speech as most students now reject controversial speakers, with Trump administration policies fueling the shift.
America’s colleges have received an “F” for free speech in a watchdog survey showing growing student resistance to campus speakers.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) released its annual report Tuesday, finding that 166 of 257 schools earned failing grades. The survey, which drew responses from 68,510 students, found 72% supported shouting down speakers on issues like abortion and transgender policies.
“This year, students largely opposed allowing any controversial campus speaker, no matter that speaker’s politics,” said FIRE CEO Greg Lukianoff.
The group linked the shift to Trump administration crackdowns, including moves to cut funding to schools over anti-Israel protests and race-based policies. A record one-third of students said violence was sometimes acceptable to block a speaker.
While Barnard College and Columbia University ranked lowest, Claremont McKenna College placed highest with a “B-.” Libertarian scholar Ilya Shapiro warned, “We have a long way to go to establish a healthy culture of open inquiry.
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