A spray painting on a brick wall of a figure spray-painting the words “FREE SPEECH” in red, with an asterisk after. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, also known as FIRE, published its 2026 College Free Speech Rankings on Sept. 9. FIRE’s Spotlight database gave UConn’s policies “a yellow light” based on the extent to which they restrict free speech. Justin Silverman is an attorney who works for the New England First Amendment Coalition, where he leads regional advocacy for free speech, open government and press freedoms. Her work focuses on media law, misinformation and free speech.