Georgetown University listed among colleges with limited free speech.
Georgetown University: A Troubling Place for Free Speech
According to a recent report from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, Georgetown University has been identified as one of the worst colleges in the country when it comes to protecting free speech.
In a comprehensive survey conducted by FIRE, which involved over 55,000 students from 254 colleges and universities, Harvard University received the lowest possible score of 0.00 in the fourth annual College Free Speech Rankings.
Other Universities with Free Speech Concerns
Joining Harvard on the list of universities with significant free speech issues are the University of Pennsylvania, the University of South Carolina, Georgetown University, and Fordham University.
One example highlighted in the survey is the case of William Spruance, a former Georgetown law student who faced suspension and retaliation for criticizing the university’s masking mandate. He was even subjected to a psychiatric evaluation against his will.
“Each year, the climate on college campuses grows more inhospitable to free speech,” expressed Sean Stevens, the Director of Polling and Analytics at FIRE. “Some of the most prestigious universities in our country have the most repressive administrations. Students should be aware that their free speech rights may be compromised at certain schools, even at the expense of obtaining a college degree.”
FIRE’s evaluation took into account various factors such as restrictive speech codes, deplatforming attempts, rising tolerance for violence among students, cancellation campaigns, and the treatment of conservative speakers on campus. Key factors in determining the scores for free speech were “Tolerance Difference” and ”Disruptive Conduct.”
Even prestigious institutions like Harvard have experienced deplatforming incidents involving prominent figures such as Harvard President Lawrence S. Bacow, Harvard Graduate School of Education Dean Bridget Terry Long, and scholars Lorgia Garcia-Pena, David Kane, and Kenneth Roth.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
Top-Ranked Universities for Free Speech
On a more positive note, Michigan Technological University claimed the top spot in this year’s rankings. Other universities that fared well in terms of protecting free speech included Auburn University, the University of New Hampshire, Oregon State University, and Florida State University.
The survey also revealed that 73% of students believe that resorting to violence to silence a campus speech is never acceptable, a slight decrease from the previous year’s 80%.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
