The Daily Signal How Virginia Campuses Flunked Free Speech Rankings
Sep 25, 2025
Sean Stevens, Chief Research Advisor at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), dives into campus free speech rankings and the alarming decline in open discourse. He discusses the detrimental 'words as violence' mindset that fuels censorship and the contrasting approaches of various Virginia universities. Stevens shares insights on how student activism can reshape campus climates and emphasizes the need for more openness to mitigate ideological divides. He also highlights what makes institutions like UVA and Claremont McKenna standout examples.
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Words-as-Violence Shifts Campus Culture
- Campus culture treats words as violence, which drives restrictive responses.
- Sean Stevens links that shift to worsening free-expression climates on campuses.
Turning Point USA Membership Surge
- Joe Thomas notes a surge in Turning Point USA chapters and membership after a high-profile event.
- Sean Stevens confirms a nationwide spike in new chapters and attendance at memorial events.
Scrutinize Security Fees For Speaker Bans
- Watch for universities using security fees to block controversial speakers.
- FIRE recommends scrutiny of fee use and campus responses to prevent speech suppression.