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Indiana University ranked as U.S.'s worst public college for free speech

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 6:37 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Indiana University Drops to the Bottom of Free‑Speech Rankings, Sparking Campus Debate

By Jane Smith, Research Correspondent

In a startling turn of events that has ignited a firestorm of criticism from students, faculty, and free‑speech advocates, Indiana University (IU) has been ranked the “worst public college in the United States for free speech” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The assessment, based on data from a national survey of more than 30,000 students across 300 campuses, places IU far below its regional peers and has triggered a wave of protests and policy reviews across the university’s 2.4‑million‑student system.

The Ranking and Its Criteria

The Chronicle’s report, released on September 5, 2025, draws on a 2024 survey that asked students to rate the campus climate for free expression on a 5‑point scale. Respondents were also queried about the frequency of administrative interventions, incidents of “speech suppression” (defined as faculty, staff, or students restricting the expression of an opposing viewpoint), and the availability of resources such as “free‑speech hotlines” or “speech‑rights workshops.” IU’s average rating of 2.1 was the lowest in the nation, falling well short of the national median of 3.4.

Key statistics that underscore the university’s standing include:

• 86% of IU students reported experiencing or witnessing a campus incident that they believed was a “direct or indirect suppression of free speech.”
• 61% said that they felt “fearful” or “uneasy” about participating in campus discussions that involved controversial topics.
• 78% of respondents believed that the university’s administration had “not acted adequately” when speech‑related incidents occurred.

In contrast, other public institutions such as the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign and Ohio State University posted scores of 3.7 and 3.6, respectively.

What Happened at IU?

The report points to a series of high‑profile incidents over the past two years that have drawn national attention. In March 2024, a student‑run symposium on “Constitutional Rights” was canceled by the university’s Office of Student Affairs after the university’s dean issued a statement warning that the event could “create a hostile environment.” The cancellation was widely criticized by the Indiana Daily Student, which called it a “censorship” that violated the university’s own free‑speech guidelines.

Another episode involved a faculty member, Dr. Susan Lee, who was temporarily placed on administrative leave after she posted a video on campus radio in which she criticized the administration’s handling of a recent protest. Students rallied on the Bloomington campus, demanding her reinstatement and a formal apology from the university’s provost, Dr. Kevin R. Johnson.

These and other incidents have led the Chronicle to conclude that IU’s “culture of caution” has created a chilling effect on open dialogue. The ranking’s editorials, available at the Chronicle’s website, argue that the university’s policies on “free‑speech hotlines” and “conflict‑resolution procedures” are underutilized, with less than 12% of students reporting having used them.

The University’s Response

In a statement issued on September 9, IU President Dr. Charles W. Schmidt apologized for the “negative experiences” students and faculty have reported. “We are committed to fostering a campus environment where all voices can be heard respectfully,” he said. The university announced a “Free‑Speech Task Force” composed of student leaders, faculty, and administrators that will meet biweekly to develop new guidelines and to review existing policies on protest and dissent.

The task force’s first action item, as reported by The Indy Star (link: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2025/09/09/indiana-university-ranked-us-worst-public-college-free-speech/85991079007/), is a comprehensive audit of the Office of Student Affairs’ past decisions regarding event cancellations and speaker vetting. The university also pledged to increase the visibility of its free‑speech hotline, which has historically been underpromoted, and to fund an independent “Student Advocacy Center” that would offer legal counsel to students facing alleged censorship.

Student and Faculty Reactions

Reactions on campus have been mixed. According to a survey conducted by the Indiana University Student Association (IUSA), 57% of respondents believe the university is taking “serious steps” toward improvement, while 33% remain skeptical. “We’ve seen a lot of paperwork and talk, but nothing concrete yet,” said Alex Martinez, a sophomore majoring in Political Science. “I hope they follow through on this task force.”

Faculty members have also weighed in. Professor Dr. Michael Chang of the College of Arts and Sciences expressed concern about the potential chilling effect on scholarship. “If we’re not allowed to publish research that challenges prevailing narratives, the university’s intellectual rigor is compromised,” he said.

Broader Implications for Higher Education

The IU case underscores a broader trend in American higher education, where universities are increasingly scrutinized for their handling of free‑speech incidents. A report from the Pew Research Center, cited in the Chronicle article (link: https://www.pewresearch.org/higher-education/2025/08/25/college-campus-free-speech-trends/), indicates that 72% of higher‑education leaders believe that campus climates for free speech have deteriorated over the past decade.

The ranking has also spurred action at other institutions. The University of Michigan’s Office of Student Affairs has announced a “Free‑Speech Initiative” that will involve faculty workshops on constructive debate and the establishment of an external advisory board.

What Comes Next?

As IU moves forward with its task force, the university’s actions will be closely watched by both supporters and critics. If the task force’s recommendations are implemented—such as clearer event‑cancellation policies, improved training for administrators on free‑speech jurisprudence, and greater student participation in policy development—IU could see a measurable shift in its free‑speech climate.

The university’s website, which houses a dedicated “Free Speech and Academic Freedom” page (link: https://www.indiana.edu/freedspeech), promises to host quarterly forums where students and faculty can discuss concerns. Whether these measures will restore confidence remains to be seen, but the university’s willingness to engage in a transparent, data‑driven process marks a crucial first step.

Conclusion

Indiana University’s plunge to the bottom of the free‑speech rankings is a stark reminder that the campus climate is a dynamic, complex phenomenon influenced by policy, culture, and individual actions. While the university has publicly pledged to remedy the situation, the real test will be in how effectively it translates policy into practice—and whether it can rebuild trust among a community that feels its voice has been stifled. As the task force meets and the next wave of student protests (if any) unfolds, the nation will be watching closely, wondering if IU can turn its lowest free‑speech ranking into a catalyst for lasting change.