The assassination of Charlie Kirk had a profound impact on student speech, according to a report published Sept. 9 by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The study described the year as jarring for free expression on school campuses and found that 30% of students believe it is acceptable, in rare cases, to use violence to stop a campus speech.
Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot during an outdoor debate, is described in the report as having a challenging climate for free speech. The university's ranking fell from 71 out of 257 schools last year to 210 out of 261 this year.
FIRE reported that students at Utah Valley University, particularly conservative students, were less comfortable expressing their beliefs following the shooting. The report cited the university's decision to cancel a commencement address by Sharon McMahon due to increased safety concerns related to her speech as a factor in the speech climate. While the university opted not to have a featured commencement speaker, FIRE characterized that decision as a mistake, stating the school should have defended free expression rather than deplatforming McMahon.
Despite the decline in ranking, the report noted that Utah Valley University's administrative support score increased. The percentage of students who felt the administration would protect speech rights during a controversy rose from 29% last year to 42% this year.
The FIRE report noted that the free speech landscape is influenced by factors such as political polarization, intolerance of disagreement, and fear of social consequences. While the report highlighted concerning trends, it also expressed cautious optimism, noting the average overall score is at its highest in seven years and more schools are receiving passing grades.
