The Surge in Campus Arrests and Suspensions Following 2024 Protests
In the wake of widespread pro-Palestinian encampments that swept U.S. college campuses in spring 2024, universities and federal authorities have intensified measures to curb student activism. Over 3,100 protesters were arrested across more than 60 campuses during those initial demonstrations, though many charges were later dropped. By 2025 and into 2026, the focus shifted to targeted deportations of international students and disciplinary actions against domestic ones, creating what critics call a 'campus free speech crackdown.' This escalation has led to record numbers of investigations and punishments, raising alarms about First Amendment protections in higher education.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nonpartisan advocate for free speech, documented 273 incidents in its Students Under Fire database in 2025 alone—a new record surpassing the 252 cases from 2020. These cases often stemmed from social media posts, protest participation, or op-eds deemed disruptive or antisemitic, highlighting a tense environment where student expression is increasingly policed.
Trump Administration's Role in Targeting Student Activists
The second Trump administration has amplified scrutiny through immigration enforcement and Title VI investigations for antisemitism. International students like Mohsen Mahdawi at Columbia University, a Palestinian green-card holder, were detained by ICE in April 2025 during a citizenship interview for his pro-Palestinian advocacy—no criminal charges were filed, but he was held for 16 days. An immigration judge rejected deportation efforts in February 2026, citing chilling effects on speech. Similar fates befell Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk at Columbia and Tufts, respectively, with federal judges ruling the actions violated the First Amendment.
U.S. District Judge William Young described the government's strategy as an 'unconstitutional conspiracy' in January 2026, blocking retaliation against protesters. This has instilled fear, with free speech advocates warning that 'citizenship won't save you.'
High-Profile Expulsion Cases and Due Process Battles
Domestic students have also faced severe repercussions. Guy Christensen at Ohio State University was expelled in May 2025 without a hearing for TikTok videos commenting on the murder of Israeli embassy staffers and calling for a 'Nuremberg trial.' A federal judge ruled in January 2026 that this violated his free speech and due process rights, ordering expungement of the record.
At George Mason University, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) faced suspension in August 2025 for an Instagram video using phrases like 'genocidal Zionist state' and 'from the river to the sea,' interpreted under the university's adopted IHRA definition of antisemitism. Palestine Legal threatened suit, arguing First Amendment violations. Conversely, University of Florida law student Preston Damsky was expelled for antisemitic posts but won reinstatement in late 2025, with UF appealing in 2026.
Indiana University protesters had reprimands expunged after a judge deemed the expressive activity policy unconstitutional. These cases illustrate a patchwork of responses, often challenged successfully in court.
FIRE's 2026 College Free Speech Rankings: A Failing Grade Nationwide
FIRE's annual rankings, surveying 68,510 students at 257 schools, gave an average score of 58.63—a failing grade—with 166 F's and only 11 C's or better. Claremont McKenna topped the list (B-), while Barnard and Columbia ranked dead last, blamed on protest fallout including 78 arrests at Columbia's Butler Library.
- 53% of students find the Israeli-Palestinian conflict hard to discuss openly (90% at Barnard).
- Record tolerance for disruption: 36% accept shouting down speakers sometimes.
- Self-censorship: 31-33% in class/peers; 3% disciplined for speech.
Poor climates correlated with higher arrest rates during 2024 encampments. Explore FIRE's full rankings for your school.
Revised University Policies Fueling the Crackdown
Post-protest, schools like Indiana, Columbia, and UT Dallas overhauled rules on time, place, and manner of expression, often requiring prior approval. Adoption of IHRA antisemitism definitions has led to content takedowns, while DOJ memos pressured DEI-related student media closures at Alabama and Texas.
Student press faced a 38% rise in censorship requests per the Student Press Law Center. Some universities, like the University of Chicago, promote institutional neutrality via the Kalven Report to balance speech.
Career advice for navigating campus tensions can help faculty and students alike.Chilling Effects and Stakeholder Perspectives
Surveys show heightened self-censorship, with 57% uncomfortable expressing views publicly. Jewish students report hostile environments (per AJC/Hillel), while pro-Palestinian advocates decry selective enforcement.
- FIRE's Logan Dougherty: Shift to suppressing pro-Palestine speech.
- ACLU's Ben Wizner: Unprecedented assault via funding threats.
- ACTA's Steve McGuire: Disruptive conduct warrants limits, but neutrality key.
UN experts criticized five universities for protest crackdowns.
Legal Victories Offering Hope Amid Repression
Courts have pushed back: Judge Young halted federal targeting; Ohio State and Indiana ordered remedies. Ongoing suits against UF and George Mason test IHRA applications. These rulings affirm protected speech unless it incites true threats.
Check Rate My Professor for faculty views on campus climates before applying.
Broader Impacts on Higher Education and Careers
The crackdown erodes trust, boosts self-censorship, and deters activism. Faculty face dilemmas; some seek stability via higher ed faculty jobs at speech-friendly institutions like UChicago or Purdue.
Students weigh transfers or legal aid from FIRE/ACLU. Jewish and Muslim groups report dual fears, underscoring need for viewpoint-neutral policies.
Path Forward: Solutions and Institutional Reforms
Adopting Chicago Principles, training on free speech, and clear conduct rules offer paths forward. State bills (21 in 2025) aim to protect or restrict, per perspectives.
- Endorse institutional neutrality.
- Ensure due process in discipline.
- Promote dialogue forums.
For career resilience, explore higher ed career advice amid uncertainties.
Photo by Jeremiah Amaya on Unsplash
Conclusion: Safeguarding Speech in Turbulent Times
The campus free speech crackdown, marked by rising arrests and expulsions post-protests, threatens higher education's core. Balanced reforms can restore open discourse. Stay informed and engaged—visit university jobs, higher ed jobs, rate your professors, and career advice at AcademicJobs.com for resources in this evolving landscape.
Read Inside Higher Ed's full report for deeper insights.
