Bodies Upon the Gears
Documentary Short
Witness the birth of the free speech movement. Watch the new documentary presented by FIRE and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Wagner.
Free Speech Makes Free People
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.
When U of Tennessee tried to expel a pharmacy student for a tweet about Cardi B, she fought back with help from FIRE, and together we won in federal court.
Surprise, Arizona had a rule banning criticism of public officials. When Rebekah Massie was removed from a city council meeting for violating that rule, she sued and had the rule scrapped.
With help from FIRE, animal rights advocates sue after facing ongoing censorship and arrest for peaceful advocacy in a public park in Houston.
Police arrested veteran Jeff Gray for peacefully holding a sign to raise awareness of homeless vets. FIRE filed lawsuits on his behalf to vindicate his constitutional rights and won them all!
Mary Hall-Rayford was silenced during a city council meeting because of her views. With FIRE's help, Mary and three other residents sued their city — and won.
North Carolina threatened Susan Hogarth with possible fines and jail time for taking a ballot selfie and posting the image to social media.
Alejandro Flores and friends sought to post conservative flyers at Clovis Community College, but were denied. With FIRE's help, he and two classmates sued and won!
Utah’s attempt to childproof social media is an unconstitutional mess. That’s why FIRE and plaintiff Hannah Zoulek are suing to block the law from taking effect.
After facing censorship, coercion, and stonewalling at Haskell Indian Nations University, Jared Nally fought for the rights of student journalists — and won!
Jeffrey Hunt was forced out of the state Capitol’s senate gallery by government officials. His offense? Wearing a shirt they didn’t like.
After FIRE threatened a lawsuit, Uvalde school district lifted a ban on a parent who questioned the qualifications of a recently hired school district police officer.
Explore Our Work
FIRE’s award-winning Newsdesk covers the free speech news you need to stay informed.
2025 College Free Speech Rankings expose threats to First Amendment rights on campus
“These rankings highlight a pivotal moment in higher education, where the tension between maintaining a free speech environment and navigating deeply polarizing issues is more pronounced than ever,” said FIRE CEO Greg Lukianoff.
What We Defend
Free Speech
Freedom of speech is essential for democracy, scientific progress, artistic expression, social justice, peace, and our ability to live as authentic individuals.
Academic Freedom
Academic freedom allows college faculty to research and teach without fearing institutional punishment for expressing unpopular views or findings.
Due Process
The right to due process means authorities must provide fair, unbiased, and equitable procedures when determining a person’s guilt or innocence.
Press Freedom
Freedom of the press protects the ability of journalists, including student journalists, and news media to publish information free from official censorship.
Religious Liberty
Religious liberty is the right to follow the faith of your choice — or to follow no faith at all.
Freedom of Conscience
Freedom of conscience means the right to arrive at one’s private beliefs without being coerced by those who wield power over us.
Freedom of Assembly
Freedom of assembly is the right of individuals to come together to express shared ideas, and it is one of the rights expressly guaranteed by the First Amendment.
2025 College Free Speech Rankings
The largest report of its kind, the rankings draw from more than 58,000 student responses representing more than 250 colleges and universities nationwide and are designed to help parents and prospective students choose the right school.
| Rank | School | Overall | Speech Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Virginia Public | 73.41/100 | Green |
| 2 | Michigan Technological University Public | 73.15/100 | Green |
| 3 | Florida State University Public | 72.46/100 | Green |
| 4 | Eastern Kentucky University Public | 69.60/100 | Green |
| 5 | Georgia Institute of Technology Public | 69.39/100 | Green |
| 6 | Claremont McKenna College Private | 69.15/100 | Green |
| 7 | North Carolina State University - Raleigh Public | 68.44/100 | Green |
| 8 | Oregon State University Public | 67.26/100 | Green |
| 9 | University of North Carolina - Charlotte Public | 66.51/100 | Green |
| 10 | Mississippi State University Public | 66.14/100 | Green |
Back to School: Free Speech Basics
Research & Learn
As you prepare for the new academic year, these resources will help you understand your First Amendment rights, promote a culture of respect for these rights, and provide you with the means to preserve them.
Defending Free Speech Since 1999
FIRE’s team of experienced advocates has decades of experience protecting free speech both on and off college campuses. Learn more about how FIRE’s experts can help you.
Facing Retaliation for Protected Speech?
In the Courts
Facing censorship or retaliation for protected speech? FIRE’s lawyers are here to help Americans whose free speech rights are violated.
Need help? FIRE is ready.
Helping Your
FIRE’s signature defense program provides free, non-legal assistance to individuals whose fundamental civil liberties are violated, with a special focus on college students, professors, student media, and campus groups.
Challenging Censorship on Campus
Changing Higher Ed
FIRE’s College Policy Reform team works to proactively and systematically challenge campus policies that violate the rights of students and faculty on campus.
Working With Legislators
Changing Laws
FIRE advocates for individual rights at both the state and federal level by advocating on behalf of rights-protective legislation and against proposed laws that threaten student and faculty rights.
Free Speech Curriculum
Helping Teachers
FIRE’s free speech curriculum helps educators enrich and supplement their existing instruction on First Amendment and freedom of expression issues in middle and high school classrooms.
Home and Abroad
International Rights
FIRE monitors colleges and universities that maintain policies that sharply limit students’ speech rights abroad and raise questions about how academic institutions should handle conflicts between American expressive rights and repressive policies in other countries.
Cancel culture, legal education, and the Supreme Court with Ilya Shapiro
So to Speak: The Free Speech PodcastEp. 235
Over the years, elite institutions shifted from fostering open debate to enforcing ideological conformity. But as guest Ilya Shapiro puts it, "the pendulum is swinging back." He shares his firsthand experience with cancel culture and how the...
Nothing is more powerful than being honest and open with people, and we’re standing up for our First Amendment rights that give us that voice.
Animal rights advocates sue after facing arrest
Public Advocacy
Daraius Dubash was arrested and handcuffed for two hours after peacefully demonstrating in a public park. The Law & Religion Clinic at the University of Texas and FIRE are suing to protect the constitutional right to speak freely in public parks.
Have your rights been violated?
If you face retaliation over protected speech, or if you are a college student or faculty member whose First Amendment rights may have been violated on campus, reach out to FIRE to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
FIRE’s 10 common-sense reforms for colleges and universities
America’s colleges and universities have been engines of discovery and knowledge, but many institutions have strayed from their core missions. As colleges and universities look to regain trust, their leaders should recommit to their institutions’ core values. They can start with these 10 common-sense reforms.
Support the Fight for Free Speech
Get Involved
Help us build a new free speech movement and promote a strong culture of free speech by supporting FIRE with a donation today. Please join us in this important work!
690+
Since 1999, FIRE has amassed more than 690 victories defending student and faculty rights on more than 300 campuses nationwide.
33
In 2024, FIRE actively litigated 33 cases.
2,200
In 2024, FIRE vetted nearly 2,200 case submissions involving individuals and groups who said their rights were threatened.
1m
FIRE regularly reaches an audience of more than 1,000,000 email subscribers and social media followers.
Get Involved
Free speech is under threat on college campuses. Here’s how you can make a difference.
FIRE Student Network
For Students
The FIRE Student Network is a coalition of students who recognize the importance of advancing civil liberties on their campuses.
FIRE Faculty Network
For Faculty
The FIRE Faculty Network is a coalition of faculty supporters interested in promoting and defending free expression and academic freedom at their institutions.
Join the FIRE Alumni Network
Build Your Network
Join a community of invested alumni from various colleges who are learning and growing together while pursuing change at their alma mater.
Become a Free Speech Insider!
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