Harvard and Columbia ranked lowest for free speech in 2023

For the second consecutive year, Harvard University has been ranked lowest in free speech among 251 colleges and universities by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). This year, Harvard is joined by New York University, University of Pennsylvania, and Barnard College in the bottom five. The rankings are based on surveys conducted with tens of thousands of students regarding their experiences with free speech on campus. The report highlights that these institutions have faced incidents of speech being censored or suppressed. FIRE's analysis indicates that students at these poorly ranked universities are increasingly frustrated with their administrations' responses to protests and controversies. For instance, at Columbia University, a protest that lasted two weeks led to a significant rise in self-censorship among students during discussions. This trend reflects a broader concern about the climate for free expression on these campuses. In contrast, institutions that ranked well in the survey, such as the University of Virginia, typically experience fewer controversies and actively defend speech rights when issues arise. The report emphasizes the importance of open inquiry and the ability for students to engage with differing viewpoints, which is essential for their development as informed citizens. The findings also reveal that many private colleges prioritize values other than free speech, which contributes to their lower rankings. The ongoing challenges faced by these institutions highlight the need for a commitment to fostering environments that support academic freedom and open dialogue.