The U.S. Supreme Court has called America's colleges and universities "vital centers for the Nation's intellectual life," but the reality today is that many of these institutions severely restrict free speech and open debate. Speech codes--policies prohibiting student and faculty speech that would, outside the bounds of campus, be…

Each year, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) conducts a rigorous survey of restrictions on speech at America's colleges and universities. The survey and accompanying report explore the extent to which schools are meeting their legal and moral obligations to uphold students' and faculty members' rights to freedom of speech,…

Each year, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) conducts a rigorous survey of restrictions on speech at America's colleges and universities. The survey and resulting report explore the extent to which schools are meeting their legal and moral obligations to uphold students' and faculty members' rights to freedom of speech,…

Argues that using mandatory fees to fund political speech violates college students' rights if they object to that speech. Cases from two states highlight arguments on both sides of this question. Rejects the Supreme Court's decision upholding such fees, arguing that forced contributions to political groups violates the First Amendment and the…

Discusses the most important cases in 1999 related to First Amendment rights in higher education and suggests some trends that may shape behavior on campus in the coming years. The U.S. Supreme Court decision about the constitutionality of mandatory fees at public colleges and universities is likely to be the most significant 1999 decision. (SLD)

The merits of student arguments challenging the constitutionality of mandatory student fees to finance certain activities or services are examined and balanced against the public university's interest in providing a forum for the expression of diverse and controversial ideas. (MSE)

"Rosenberger" prohibits public colleges and universities from discriminating against religious viewpoints in their allocation of student activities funds that are equally available to other groups. The Supreme Court decision also extends the range of facilities equally available to student religious organizations for free-speech…