ASU is ranked 14th best school for free speech in FIRE survey

The rankings draw from more than 58,000 responses representing more than 250 colleges.

PUBLISHED SEP 16, 2024

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has also given ASU a “green light” rating since 2011.

Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona State University has been ranked the 14th best school in the country when it comes to free speech in a survey conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and College Pulse. ASU's 'speech climate' was rated as 'above average'.

The rankings draw from more than 58,000 student responses representing more than 250 colleges and universities nationwide. The survey was fielded from January 25 through June 17, 2024.

These newcomers include first-year, transfer, and graduate students, making up nearly one-quarter of the university’s total enrollment for the semester. (Pictured is Hayden Library, ASU) — The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has also given ASU a “green light” rating since 2011 for its speech-related policies.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has also given ASU a “green light” rating since 2011 for its speech-related policies — the highest rating available in FIRE’s Speech Code Rating System.

“ASU is committed to the free, robust and open exchange of ideas among all members of our university community, and we strive to provide an environment that fosters the fullest degree of intellectual freedom and free expression,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow.

“Our university takes this charge seriously, and we are proud to be recognized as a leader in supporting and protecting free speech.”

Only three schools got a 'good' rating for speech climate: University of Virginia, Michigan Technological University, Florida State University. Six schools were flagged as 'warning': Baylor University, Brigham Young University, Hillsdale College, Liberty University, Pepperdine University, and Saint Louis University.