"A new survey of the top 150 colleges in the U.S. found that nearly 25% of students said it is acceptable to use violence to shut down a controversial speaker. The number jumps to nearly 50% at several elite women's colleges. According to the survey, Claremont-McKenna College ranks best for free speech, DePauw University ranks the worst.

"The findings are based on the opinions of over 37,000 students at 159 of America's largest and most prestigious campuses. The largest survey of campus free expression ever conducted was published in the 2021 College Free Speech Rankings, produced by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), College Pulse, and RealClearEducation.

'"Existing ranking systems don't look at a core aspect of higher education: the ability to think, discuss, and speak freely,' FIRE Executive Director Robert Shibley said. 'Our rankings guide prospective students and their parents toward schools that value free speech and open inquiry. They also help us hold schools accountable and demand they do better.'

"The survey evaluated free expression on campus in seven categories: openness to discussion of controversial topics, tolerance for liberal speakers, tolerance for conservative speakers, administrative support for free speech, comfort expressing ideas publicly, whether students support disruptive conduct during campus speeches, and FIRE's speech code rating. The report found that public schools generally performed better than private schools."

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