Harvard University ranks last in the nation for free speech for the second consecutive year, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). In its latest report, FIRE labeled Harvard’s free speech environment as “abysmal,” with a score of zero out of 100, placing it 11 points below its nearest competitor. Over 58,000 students across 250 institutions participated in the survey, highlighting widespread concerns about free speech on campuses.
Alongside Harvard, Columbia, New York University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Barnard College make up the bottom five in the rankings. These schools demonstrate low administrative support for free speech and a hostile environment for students expressing controversial views. Liberal speakers are favored over conservative ones, contributing to this disparity.
FIRE also released a supplementary report on the impact of encampment protests, noting that 15% of students feel unsafe on campus, with 37% concerned about the police response to such protests. Harvard’s poor standing contrasts with the University of Virginia, which topped the list for free speech.
Despite its low rating, Harvard allowed Nobel laureate Maria Ressa to make antisemitic remarks at commencement, where her comments received a standing ovation. A participating rabbi challenged her, and after her refusal to clarify, he left the stage.
