Back to School: Free Speech Basics
For Students
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.
Know Your First Amendment Rights
What Are My Rights on Campus?
If you find yourself asking "What are my rights on campus?" — FIRE has the answer.
Unprotected Speech Synopsis
FIRE's guide to speech not protected by the First Amendment for educators and students.
FIRE's Guide to Free Speech on Campus
Too many campuses still silence students who dare exercise their right to free expression. Learn your rights today.
Does Your School Protect Free Speech?
College Free Speech Rankings
Presented by FIRE and College Pulse, the College Free Speech Rankings is the largest survey of campus free expression ever performed.
Know Your School's Speech Code
Find out if your school has policies that prohibit or restrict speech protected by the First Amendment.
FIRE's Spotlight Database
FIRE’s Spotlight Database rates policies that regulate student expression at 486 colleges and universities.
Student Activism 101
FIRE’s FAQ for Political Speech on Campus
Political speech is essential for democratic participation, but too often rules related to campus political speech are misunderstood and misapplied.
FIRE’s FAQ for Student Protests on Campus
Planning a campus protest—or already part of one? Here are answers to questions we’ve seen come up time and again.
Amplify the Activists
The warning signs of over-restrictive speech codes can be difficult to spot — unless you know what you’re looking for.
Dive Deeper into the First Amendment
Learn with FIRE
Check out our library of resources below to get started on your First Amendment journey!
Free Speech Lessons
Check out these resources for teaching incoming students about their free speech rights and the principles behind the First Amendment.