Oct. 16, 2025
Contact: Christopher Ave, Christopher.Ave@missouri.edu
Photo by Nicholas Andrusisian
The University of Missouri has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading universities when it comes to matters of free expression, placing No. 2 among all flagship universities in the country for free speech, according to the latest data from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
FIRE is a nonpartisan nonprofit that defends the rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought through a mixture of student and faculty outreach, public education campaigns, individual case advocacy and policy reform efforts.
FIRE also awarded Mizzou a “green light” rating, the organization’s highest status. The distinction reflects Mizzou’s strong policies, which are consistent with the First Amendment. Mizzou also gained points for having no speech-related controversies during the period of the FIRE survey and for its commitment to the Chicago Statement on Free Expression, which affirms every student’s right to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn.
“We are committed to the principles of free expression, civil discourse and intellectual pluralism on campus,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “At Mizzou, each person has the freedom to speak, learn and discover. We will continue working together to ensure a respectful environment where all can achieve excellence and share their perspectives with others.”
The comprehensive study ranked 257 universities — fewer than 100 of which received a passing score. FIRE surveyed more than 68,500 students nationwide, including more than 300 from Mizzou. Those surveys found that 83% of Mizzou students feel it is “somewhat, very or extremely” clear that university leadership protects free speech on campus.
Beyond policy, Mizzou fosters a culture where ideas are explored and respected. The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy recently received a three-year, $2.5 million grant to promote civics education and engagement. The grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, will be used to expand its Civil Dialogue series; host seminars for high school teachers across Missouri; continue its Constitutional Democracy Academy summer programs for high school juniors and seniors; and develop a virtual learning module for middle school teachers to help with civics education, in partnership with the College of Education and Human Development’s eMINTS program.
Additionally, the new Open Minds Initiative, housed in the College of Arts and Science, plays a central role in promoting open dialogue in the classroom and on campus. The program sponsors courses, events and scholarship dedicated to fostering a vibrant academic environment where the free exchange of ideas, intellectual pluralism and civil discourse are championed. The initiative’s most recent campus event featured FIRE president and CEO Greg Lukianoff.
Mizzou’s “green light” distinction from FIRE underscores an institutional commitment to free and open discussion. Through strong policies on campus and meaningful programming that models the power of civil discourse, the university demonstrates a commitment to the First Amendment as a public institution.
