University of Arkansas Received Failing Speech Grade
The school ranked 242nd out of 261 institutions in a national review of campus free speech environments.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Higher Education
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In 2025, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression assigned the University of Arkansas a failing grade for its speech environment, placing it 242nd out of 261 schools. This ranking follows a series of controversies involving faculty dismissals, lawsuits, and campus policy changes.
Why it matters
The ranking was determined by student surveys, campus policies, and speech-related controversies. These factors highlight a growing national debate over academic freedom and how public universities manage diverse viewpoints and state-mandated displays.
The school was ranked 242nd out of 261 institutions based on data including a survey of 177 students. This placement reflects a broader landscape where 91% of all ranked schools received a D or F grade for their speech policies.
The players
Shirin Saeidi
She is a former professor who was dismissed from the university in December 2025 and subsequently filed a lawsuit against campus officials.
Najja K. Baptist
He is a professor who sued the University of Arkansas for civil rights violations in April 2026.
Charles F. Robinson
He is a university official named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Shirin Saeidi.
Brian Raines
He is a university official named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Shirin Saeidi.
Emily Suski
She was an academic whose offer for a law school dean position was rescinded by the university.
The details
The university has faced criticism for reprimanding professors, rescinding a law school dean job offer, and displaying Ten Commandments posters under 2025 Arkansas Act 573. Faculty members, including Professor Shirin Saeidi and Professor Najja K. Baptist, have pursued legal action citing First Amendment violations and civil rights issues.
Timeline
December 2025: Professor Shirin Saeidi was dismissed from the university.
February 2026: Reports emerged regarding the rescinding of Emily Suski's job offer.
April 2026: Professor Najja K. Baptist filed a lawsuit against the university.
May 2026: The university filed a countersuit against Najja K. Baptist.
October 6, 2026: Shirin Saeidi filed a lawsuit against Charles F. Robinson, Brian Raines, and the UA Board of Trustees.
Culture Shift
The current environment at the university is significantly influenced by 2025 Arkansas Act 573, which mandates the display of Ten Commandments posters in classrooms. This shift underscores a broader national trend where state legislation increasingly dictates the symbolic and academic boundaries of public campus life.
These campus controversies directly affect students and faculty by altering daily classroom dynamics and the university's institutional focus. The ongoing litigation and internal policy changes may influence the academic experience and the overall climate for the school's 34,000 students.
The takeaway
The university's low national ranking reflects significant internal friction regarding faculty rights and state-level policy requirements. Students and staff should monitor upcoming court rulings for clarity on the future of speech policies in the region.
Further reading
For more context on academic freedom, visit the Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Arkansas Traveler.
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