Harvard and Columbia universities ranked last in a recent free speech survey, receiving "abysmal" reviews.
The survey, conducted by College Pulse and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, included 251 schools, with Harvard, Columbia, and New York University being the only institutions to receive the lowest rating.
This marks Harvard's second year as the worst university for free speech; Columbia's free ranking dropped from last year's "Below Average" status, where it was ranked 214.
The rankings are based on responses from over 58,000 undergraduates, compiled into an overall score derived from student perceptions of free speech on campus, and the actions of administrators, faculty and students related to free expression.
Tensions at both universities have remained high since the spring following pro-Palestine protests and encampments that led to student arrests and suspensions, which impacted free expression.
Harvard President Claudine Gay stepped down earlier this year after facing backlash over comments made at a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism. Columbia President Minouche Shafik also resigned in August following heavy criticism, particularly for her handling of pro-Palestinian protests that began in April. Both universities have since introduced new policies ahead of the fall semester, likely to prevent a repeat of the spring's protests.
The updated "campus use" rules at Harvard, announced on Aug. 1, include stringent measures that could impact student demonstrations. Students now need administrative approval before engaging in activities like chalking sidewalks, pitching tents, putting up art exhibits or using public spaces, with potential consequences for non-compliance.
Among the rules are requirements for booking event spaces, ensuring the free flow of traffic, and guidelines on noise levels and event sponsorships. Harvard affiliates must also present valid university identification upon request by officials.
Meanwhile, Columbia began restricting access to its Morningside campus ahead of move-in day in preparation for potential disruptions and protests. Several barricades and fenced-off green space were also reported on campus. University officials are considering giving campus police broader authority to arrest protesters.
This summer, Jewish students also filed lawsuits and criticized the administration for not doing enough to protect them during the spring protests, alleging that harassment and hate speech were allowed to go unchecked. Shafik later testified before the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, which called into question Columbia's handling of antisemitism on campus.
Many Columbia students said they also felt unable to express their views freely.
"My university writing teacher gave me a bad grade and wrote comments saying he disagreed with my thinking," one student wrote.
"Most professors and classes assume progressive ideas as a matter of fact. This is the frame for nearly every class," wrote another student. "Most of the curriculum is curated to fit this narrative, so disagreeing on an assignment or in class requires students to do much of their own research and studying, whereas students in agreement are catered to."
Harvard students echoed these sentiments, with one student recalling threats for being part of a conservative newspaper.
During a class about pregnancy, another student claimed the teaching fellow allowed students to mock Christian anti-abortion stances. "I have learned that I am expected to take insults on the chin and say nothing. I dare not challenge a graduate student who chooses my grade," they wrote.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the University of Virginia earned the top spot for free speech, followed by Michigan Technological University and Florida State University.
