Maybe there’s hope yet…

Purdue’s recent elimination of all campus speech codes, codes that serve to restrict first amendment rights, earned the university the top spot on on the Foundation for Individual Rights and Education’s (FIRE) free speech list.

From FIRE’s blog:

Purdue University Eliminates All of Its Speech Codes, Earns FIRE’s Highest Rating

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., May 15, 2015—The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) is pleased to announce that Purdue University has earned FIRE’s highest, “green light” rating for free speech. With help from FIRE, Purdue revised its speech-related policies to comply with the First Amendment. Purdue further affirmed its commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression by adopting a statement similar to the University of Chicago’s laudable statement on academic freedom, endorsed by FIRE in January.

“We’re proud to add Purdue to the growing list of green light institutions,” said Azhar Majeed, Director of FIRE’s Individual Rights Education Program. “I’m grateful that Purdue’s students, administrators, and leadership discussed and collaborated with us on these policy changes to make sure Purdue’s written policies on student expression fully meet constitutional standards.”

FIRE began working to reform Purdue’s speech codes in September 2014, when FIRE sent a memorandum covering Purdue’s speech policies to two members of the student government. Students Andrew Zeller and Emilie Watson worked with FIRE’s Majeed to advocate for policy reform on campus and to introduce a resolution in student government calling for the necessary revisions. Purdue President Mitch Daniels supported eliminating the university’s speech codes as well.

Purdue becomes the 21st green light institution in FIRE’s Spotlight database of over 400 colleges and universities, as well as the second university in a month to earn a green light rating. This positive trend reflects growing awareness of free speech issues on campus, as well as increased cooperation between students, administrators, and FIRE.