FIRE

Every day, Americans face censorship for exercising their First Amendment rights. And every day, FIRE is fighting back.

As 2026 comes to a close, you can help us take that fight into the new year.

Ole Miss is investigating a video of students making monkey noises and gestures in the hallway of an apartment complex. The incident, caught on a black resident’s Ring camera, has drawn public criticism. One of the students said she had not met the resident and did not know their race.

People are free to condemn, challenge, or reject expression they find offensive. But on free speech, public universities answer to the First Amendment, not public opinion. It’s hard to see how the students’ behavior could have violated lawful rules banning harassment or threats.

@OleMiss also promises students freedom of expression “without fear of retribution, intimidation or coercion.” It must honor that promise instead of abandoning it under public pressure. The duty to protect free expression matters most when calls for punishment grow loudest.

FIRE is contacting Ole Miss to remind the university of its obligations under the First Amendment. No disciplinary action may be based on a student’s protected expression.

Why does it feel harder than ever to disagree without things turning hostile?

In the latest episode of The Blessings of Liberty, FIRE’s @RosenJeffrey looks to America's past for lessons on how we can restore civility today.

That’s a wrap on FIRE’s 2026 free speech conference, Soapbox!

If this event showed us anything, it’s that our free speech rights are self-evident, but not self-executing. They depend on people like you who keep this movement alive.

Thank you to everyone who made it possible!

So many unforgettable moments from day two of Soapbox. 🔥

With the final day of the conference underway, let's take a look back at some of yesterday's highlights!