Survey Shows Shift in Student Views on Campus Speaker Violence

A recent study conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) reveals that 30% of college students across the country find violence as an acceptable means to stop a controversial speaker at campus events. The survey details that 3% see it as always acceptable, 12% sometimes, and 16% rarely, to employ violence to prevent a speaker’s presence at a college.

This survey follows the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk during a college event organized by his group, Turning Point USA, on September 10, 2025. Kirk was participating in a debate with students at the time of his death.

FIRE’s findings indicate a decrease from last year when 34% of students believed violence in protests was acceptable. However, the current figures show an increase of 10 points compared to four years ago. Notably, 70% of students this year think violence is never an appropriate method to counter a speaker.

Additionally, the survey reports that 69% of students believe shouting down a speaker is acceptable, which shows a reduction of three points compared to last year. Yet, this acceptance still marks a rise of seven points from figures recorded four years ago.

FIRE Data Analyst Chapin Lenthall-Cleary expressed satisfaction about the decline in students viewing violence as an acceptable response. However, concerns remain as students still fear consequences for voicing disagreements. The analyst commented on the uncertain reasons behind this year’s results, suggesting that Charlie Kirk’s assassination might have influenced students to reconsider the use of violence.

The survey also highlights a shift in attitudes across political lines. In the early 2020s, liberal students were twice as likely to accept violence compared to conservative students. Since then, acceptance of violence has notably increased among conservative and moderate male students. Support is now almost equal among liberal and conservative students, despite a slight decrease in overall approval for violence.

The effects of Kirk’s assassination have rippled through free speech perceptions at Utah Valley University and beyond. Colleges are carefully evaluated in terms of free speech, with an extensive list establishing rankings in this regard. The FIRE survey drew from the opinions of 62,997 undergraduate students across 262 colleges and universities offering four-year degree programs.

According to the 2027 College Free Speech Rankings report, top schools for free speech include the University of Chicago, Claremont McKenna College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Michigan Technological University, and Vanderbilt University.

Hanna Panreck serves as an associate editor at Fox News.