Mason maintains elite free speech 'green light' in latest FIRE ratings

George Mason University has retained its “green light” rating from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and College Pulse, the organization’s highest rating for free speech protection. The foundation also had previously ranked George Mason as No. 8 in the nation for protecting free speech rights.

FIRE, a nonprofit organization promoting free speech rights on U.S. college campuses, recently released updated ratings in its 2024 Spotlight on Speech Codes. In the report, the organization rated 489 of America’s top colleges and universities based on how much their policies encourage or threaten student speech.

Mason’s “green light” status is the highest rating the organization offers, requiring the university have no policies that seriously threaten student speech. Only 12.9% of schools received this rating.

This survey is the largest one ever performed on free speech on college campuses, according to the foundation’s website.

“George Mason University is committed to free expression and the pursuit of intellectual and cultural dialogue on its campus and in its classrooms. Freedom of speech and care for our community go hand-in-hand as we build the Mason community together, where all students can thrive,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president for University Life.

Following the outbreak of hostilities in Israel and Gaza, Mason developed the Patriot Plan for Community Safety and Well-being as a guide to exercising free speech, according to university policies and code of conduct, while ensuring community safety.