FIRE released its 2019 list of colleges with the worst records for upholding free speech. In alphabetical order, they are Alabama A&M, Dixie State, Georgetown University Qatar, Liberty, Plymouth State, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse, Kansas, North Alabama and the University of Wisconsin System. (The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, February 12, 2019, press release)
Although a private university and not subject to the First Amendment, Liberty University claims to support free expression especially give their concern over the suppression of conservative ideas. But the school censors their student newspaper, the Liberty Champion. (NBC12, February 12, 2019, by BrianTynes)
Rensselaer is a repeat performer, and most recently strengthened its place on the list by shutting down protests against policies taken by the institute’s president that included taking control of the student union, historically run by students. (Albany Times Union, February 13, 20190, by Rick Karlin)
Kansas University made the list for its removal of an altered American flag on public display, intended as a work of art. (Lawrence Journal-World, February 14, 2019, by Dylan Lysen)
The University of North Alabama qualified by virtue of it failure to provide public records to student journalists concerning the firing of two employees, a vice-president and a professor. (Florence Times Daily, February 12, 2019, by Lisa Singleton-Rickman)Your contributions make our work possible.