Average Score

68.4 Treanding Down

/ 100

Treanding Down -1.9 from 2024

Average Rank

31 Treanding Down

/ 257

Treanding Down 16 from 2024

Average Grade

D+

Treanding Down Decreased

Speech Controversies

0

Treanding Neutral 0 in 2025

Comfort Expressing Ideas

D

Treanding Up Increased

Disruptive Conduct

C

Treanding Down Decreased

Openness

D

Treanding Down Decreased

Self-Censorship

D-

Treanding Down Decreased

Administrative Support

D-

Treanding Neutral No change

Political Tolerance

F

Treanding Down Decreased

Overview

Two Mississippi schools are ranked in the 2026 College Free Speech Rankings. The state’s average speech-climate grade is D+, compared to a national average of F.

The University of Mississippi ranks 27 overall and is the top-ranked school in the state. Mississippi State University follows closely at 34. Both schools hold “green light” ratings in FIRE’s Spotlight database, meaning their written policies do not seriously threaten student expression.

Neither campus has adopted the pro-free speech Chicago Statement or a statement on institutional neutrality. Mississippi’s strong policy foundation positions its schools for further gains if paired with public commitments to expressive rights.

Highlights

45%

45% of students say they have self-censored on campus at least once or twice a month.

70%

70% of students say shouting down a speaker to prevent them from speaking on campus is acceptable, at least in rare cases.

35%

35% of students say using violence to stop someone from speaking on campus is acceptable, at least in rare cases.

1.69:1

Across Mississippi, there are roughly 1.69 conservative students for every one liberal student.

Average score over time

Speech Controversies

Speech Controversies: When Free Expression Is Challenged

Explore notable incidents where free speech was tested on campuses across Mississippi. From speaker deplatformings to administrative actions, these events highlight the challenges — and consequences — of restricting expression.

Speech Controversies

0

0 in 2025

Scholars Under Fire

0

Students Under Fire

0

Deplatformings

0

Honor Roll Statements

0

Attempted Disruptions

0

New in 2025

0

Rankings and Survey Results

Rankings and Survey Results

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