The University of Memphis received an F grade for free speech, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The school ranked 128th out of 257 colleges studied, falling 80 places from last year.
The survey found that 32% of students reported self-censoring at least once a month. Of the 252 respondents, the groups most likely to self-censor based on political beliefs were students who identified as very conservative or very liberal.
When asked whether certain speakers should be allowed on campus, the results showed a partisan divide. The results showed liberal students were more likely to say right-wing speakers should not be allowed to speak, and conservative students were more likely to say the same about left-wing speakers.
The poll also asked if violence was ever acceptable to use against speakers. 33% of students said it could be, with 3% of very liberal respondents saying it was always acceptable. Liberal students were slightly more likely to find violence sometimes justified compared to conservative students.
“Any time teachers bring [up] any political issues, I am afraid to say what is on my mind because people can be evil and target you once they know your background,” said an anonymous student. “It is also hard to know sometimes what professors would hold grudges against your political views. To be honest I think it is better to be on the safe side and not share my political views unless I really need to. So unless I am with a friend or someone I trust I do not feel safe expressing my political views.”
One factor cited in the university’s low ranking was its response to the Kyle Rittenhouse speaking event in 2024. The survey also found that 72% of students believed it was acceptable to shout down a speaker.
FIRE’s data shows the University of Memphis has about 2.74 liberals for every conservative on campus, a ratio that leaves many conservative students to feel uncomfortable speaking about their beliefs. Overall, 11% of respondents said they have been threatened or disciplined for their speech, while 60% of students believe a professor or student would be reported by another student for their speech.
Mel Eleftheriou can be contacted at mlfthrou@memphis.edu.
