Higher education should be a marketplace of ideas, free from threats to free expression

FIRE was inspired to create this syllabus database by various members of our Faculty Network who teach courses on free expression issues, to serve as both a reference tool and a means of networking for faculty. 

For faculty who study or teach courses on free expression and the First Amendment, FIRE's resources and data provide a wealth of source material that can make a positive addition to any course syllabus or serve as valuable teaching and study aids.

FIRE's Guide to Free Speech on Campus focuses on the threat to freedom of expression posed by the imposition of speech codes, under various misleading names, on campuses across the nation.

FIRE’s core defense program provides free assistance to individual students, professors, student media, and campus groups whose fundamental civil liberties are violated.

FIRE’s college Policy Reform team works to proactively and systematically challenge campus policies that violate students’ and faculty members’ free speech and due process rights.

Facing a university investigation? Have officials refused to share evidence or follow fair procedures? FIRE’s lawyers may be able to help.

FIRE advocates for individual rights at both the state and federal level by advocating on behalf of rights-protective legislation and against proposed laws that threaten student and faculty due process rights.

The following colleges or faculty bodies have adopted or endorsed the Chicago Statement — a “gold standard” free speech policy — or a similar policy.

For students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and others who strive to improve their college's policies regulating student expression.

Vague or ideologically motivated DEI statement policies can too easily function as litmus tests for adherence to prevailing viewpoints.