Public universities, as governmental entities, are legally bound torespect First Amendment rights. Yet 77 percent ofthem explicitly prohibit protected speech, as compared to 67 percent ofprivate universities
Universities across the nation are bastions of censorship, not education, according to a new report from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
The organization’s 2009 report on campus speech codes charges colleges and universities routinely and systematically violate students’ and faculty members’ right to freedom of expression.
The report, called “Spotlight on Speech Codes 2009: The State of Free Speech on Our Nation’s Campuses,” says policies at 364 colleges and universities were reviewed, and 74 percent “maintain policies that clearly restrict speech that, outside the borders of campus, is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.” “Unfortunately, this year’s report demonstrates that – despite decadesof precedent declaring speech codes unlawful and two decisions thisyear alone – the majority of colleges and universities brazenlymaintain policies that violate students’ and faculty members’fundamental rights,” said FIRE President Greg Lukianoff. “Everyone whovalues the free exchange of ideas should be deeply disturbed by thesefindings.”