New FIRE Poll Shows 74% Of Americans Believe U.S. Free Speech Is On The Wrong Track

Conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the National Speech Index revealed that an overwhelming 74 percent of respondents believe that the ability to freely express views in the United States is deteriorating. This marks a significant increase from July's figures, where only 64 percent shared this sentiment. Conversely, those who feel that free speech is on the right track have dwindled to 26 percent, a decline from the previous 37 percent.

According to The Post Millennial, the survey results indicate a stark partisan divide. Among Republicans, a majority of 55 percent still perceive free speech as progressing positively, although this is a decrease from 69 percent in July. In contrast, only 11 percent of Democrats and 19 percent of independents share this optimistic view, down from 17 percent and 31 percent, respectively. These figures underscore a growing apprehension across the political spectrum about the current trajectory of free speech in America.

Nathan Honeycutt, a Research Fellow and Polling Manager at FIRE, commented on the findings, stating, "In the last three months, America watched as Charlie Kirk was murdered for simply debating on a college campus, followed immediately by a wave of censorship of those who opposed his views. Its no surprise that a record number of Americans of all parties now think that its a dire time for free speech in America." This incident, among others, has evidently fueled concerns about the suppression of differing viewpoints.

The poll also explored public opinion on whether a hypothetical college professor should face termination for making certain statements. Notably, 45 percent of respondents believed a professor should be fired for saying, "Its OK to punch a Nazi." Meanwhile, 37 percent felt similarly about the statement, "These fascists Bible-thumpers want to drag us back to the Dark Ages," and 14 percent for the phrase, "We are going to make America great again."

Sean Stevens, FIRE's Chief Research Advisor, remarked, "Americans were most divided on the statement supporting political violence, but its heartening that most Americans correctly backed academic freedom. On the other hand, its deeply concerning that we intentionally included some rather tame political statements including the winning slogan of the last presidential election and vocal minorities still called for the professors firing." This sentiment reflects a broader debate about the limits of free speech and the role of academic freedom in American society.

The survey, conducted between October 20 and 28, involved 1,000 Americans and carries a margin of error of 3 percent. As the nation grapples with these issues, the findings serve as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding free speech, a cornerstone of American democracy.