To arrive at the overall score, the foundation asked students at the schools to consider seven components, including openness to discussing challenging topics on campus and their perceptions of whether their school protects or punishes free speech.
In 2021, UVA’s Board of Visitors unanimously endorsed a statement on free expression and free inquiry. The statement’s opening line reads: “The University of Virginia unequivocally affirms its commitment to free expression and free inquiry. All views, beliefs, and perspectives deserve to be articulated and heard free from interference.”