Story perspectives

Indiana University Plummets to 255th in Free Speech Rankings

9/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

Indiana University (IU) ranked 255th out of 257 schools for free speech, per the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
IU's score declined due to incidents like canceling a speaker and police involvement during protests.
Purdue University ranked second, while the University of Notre Dame dropped to 238th.
Many IU students reported self-censorship and fear of administrative retaliation.
Only 23% of IU students believe the administration protects free speech.

History

Historical Context

The Free Speech Movement at the University of California, Berkeley, began in 1964, advocating for student rights and expression amid rising tensions between academic freedom and administrative control. Today, Indiana University ranks 255th out of 257 schools for free speech protections, reflecting a troubling trend of self-censorship among students, which threatens the core principles of higher education.

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Story summary

Indiana University (IU) ranked 255th out of 257 schools for free speech, per the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
IU's score declined due to incidents like canceling a speaker and police involvement during protests.
Purdue University ranked second, while the University of Notre Dame dropped to 238th.
Many IU students reported self-censorship and fear of administrative retaliation.
Only 23% of IU students believe the administration protects free speech.

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