Ohio colleges fare poorly in free speech report

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(The Center Square) – Thirteen Ohio colleges and universities are in the 2027 College Free Speech Rankings, but Ohio’s average grade for free speech is D-, no better or worse than the national average, according to the non-profit organization that compiles the list, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

The Ohio school with the best ranking overall is Wright State, which is ranked in the top 25th nationally in part because of strong administrative support, which indicates students “trust administrators to defend speech,” according to FIRE.

In contrast, the University of Dayton is ranked 237th with a “red light” rating.

“Most Ohio campuses hold yellow light ratings,” FIRE said.

FIRE described the overall condition of free speech on campuses as grim.

“At a tumultuous time for higher education, we are seeing some progress in campus free speech policies and indications that students may be less willing to tolerate shout-downs and violence on campus compared to recent years,” said FIRE President and CEO Greg Lukianoff. “But the overall state of free speech on campus is grim. Too many college administrators wield their power to cancel controversial speakers, cave to government or student calls for censorship, and limit academic freedom. This report emphasizes the need for colleges to embrace their constitutional obligations wholeheartedly.”

The University of Dayton was graded an “F”.

Ohio State University, the state’s largest, did not fare well in the rankings, coming in at 174 out of 261 schools with an “F” speech climate grade.

“OSU was penalized for two speech controversies, including the disruption of a campus event.” Fire said.

University spokesperson Chris Booker defended the university’s free speech.

“Ohio State has an unwavering commitment to free speech and freedom of expression,” Booker told The Center Square. “We respect the rights of our students, faculty and staff to express their views about issues that are important to them.”