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TULSA — The University of Tulsa is among the best schools in the nation for freedom of speech, according to a survey released Thursday.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and maintaining Americans’ rights to free speech and thought, released its fifth annual study to determine the best universities for free speech.

The organization partnered with College Pulse to survey nearly 59,000 students at 257 colleges and universities between January 25 and June 17.

Students were surveyed about their comfort level in speaking out on issues, even if they have a minority position. They were also asked how open they are to listening to controversial speakers and whether they are open to allowing speakers to visit campus without facing a “heckler’s veto,” according to a review of the survey.

Schools received an overall assessment, and the climate of expression was rated as warning, terrible, very poor, poor, below average, slightly below average, average, slightly above average, above average or good, as well as a distinction rating: green, yellow or red.

Of the students surveyed, 47% identified as liberal, 21% as conservative, and 16% chose moderate. Nearly 89% of the schools surveyed have a predominantly liberal student body, while 29 schools have a predominantly conservative student body. Four of the six “warning” schools fall into the latter group.

Three Oklahoma schools ranked in the top 100.

University of Tulsa ranks first among Oklahoma schools

The University of Tulsa ranked 23rd on the list, the highest of the three colleges in Oklahoma.

The University of Tennessee received an overall score of 60.74, an above average climate, and a green rating.

The university received the same Spotlight rating in 2023. Last summer, Brad Carson, president of Tulsa University, asked The Fire to help update the university’s nondiscrimination and harassment policy. According to the university’s website, the policy now provides students with the ability to express themselves in a way protected by the First Amendment.

TU also developed a freedom of association policy and adopted the Chicago Declaration, which is widely considered the gold standard for institutional policy statements on free speech.

Bedlam schools are neck and neck in the top 100

Oklahoma University and Oklahoma State University rank 51st and 52nd, respectively.

The total OU score for the study was 53.52, with an average speech climate and yellow light rating.

In a statement released Thursday, the university said it intends to create an environment in which the free exchange of ideas is respected, based on the American principles of freedom of speech and expression.

“In 2022, we adopted the Chicago Declaration, a set of guiding principles that emphasize the critical role of free speech in higher education and (reflect) our belief that universities must protect free speech while maintaining a welcoming campus community,” the statement reads. “At OU, our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders ensures that we remain a place where vibrant and constructive dialogue can flourish.”

The OU participates each year in Free Speech Week, an annual, non-partisan event held during the third week of October.

The total OSU score was 53.52, with a medium tone of voice and a yellow light rating.

A university spokesman said OSU supports free speech and an environment that encourages the sharing of diverse ideas and perspectives.

“We believe that a robust public discourse contributes to the process of solving the most pressing social problems, and this is our responsibility as a land-grant institution,” the statement reads.

OSU has a public website dedicated to educating students about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as unprotected and inappropriate speech on public campuses, and provides support resources for students.