Ohio receives F for higher ed free speech

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(The Center Square) – Despite a controversial new law targeting speech on college campuses, Ohio colleges and universities remain among the worst in the nation for their speech climate.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression gave a collective F to 13 schools, the same grade as the national average, in its 2026 College Free Speech Rankings released Tuesday.

The group compiled its ranking by evaluating 13 of the state’s 138 public and private universities. It included only five private schools in Ohio’s grade and did not include five public schools – the University of Akron, Central State, Cleveland State, Shawnee State or Northeast Ohio Medical University.

The group contends free speech is under threat on many U.S. college campuses and administrations repress campus speech.

Ohio’s ranking was based on scores from Ohio State, Ohio University, Wright State, Bowling Green, Miami, Cincinnati, Denison, Kenyon, Oberlin, Toledo, Case Western, Kent State and Dayton.

FIRE Chief Research Advisor Sean Stevens said schools must have a spotlight rating from the group’s policy reform team to be included in the ratings.

The group started with 55 schools in 2020, focusing on top tier research universities, other private schools and state universities. It also uses U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the top liberal arts universities to add other schools.

Other schools were included if alumni groups express an interest.

Spencer said once a school is added to the list it will not be removed unless it closes, but cost and survey factors limit the number of schools in each state that are examined.

Wright State scored the highest with a D, followed by Ohio, Bowling Green, Miami, Cincinnati, Denison and Kenyon, all with a D-minus.

The other schools received an F.

The rankings come four months after Ohio’s Senate Bill 1 became law.

Opponents say the overhaul clamps down on free speech, while proponents say it enhances it.

The law bans courses, training, litmus tests, required statements, and spending for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or programs.

It sets parameters around discussions about what it calls controversial topics. Named are climate polices; electoral politics; foreign policy; ban diversity, equity and inclusion; immigrant policy; and marriage and abortion.

It also bans faculty members from striking.