Campus Deplatforming Database

Research & Learn

This research documents efforts since 1998 to deplatform speakers and art at U.S. colleges and universities. A deplatforming attempt isn’t just disagreement or protest — it’s an effort to stop someone from speaking or expressing themselves at all. That includes trying to disinvite speakers, cancel events like talks, concerts, plays, or film screenings, or remove controversial art. Trying to disrupt a speech or performance already underway also counts, whether it works or not.

FIRE’s methodology provides additional details. This database is updated every few weeks.

NEWS & ANALYSIs

Man at a podium standing in front of a red bullseye

Introducing FIRE’s Campus Deplatforming Database

Campus Disinvitation Database expanded to include attempts to cancel performances, art exhibits, and film screenings on college and university campuses from 1998 to the present.

Black and white photo of the Stanford campus with a pie chart indicating polling or data

FIRE survey shows Judge Duncan shoutdown had ‘chilling effect’ on Stanford students

According to a new FIRE survey, conservative students self-censored more often after the shoutdown than before the shoutdown.

College free speech faces a new threat: Deplatforming attempts now come more from the right

The impulse to silence rather than engage controversial voices has become a persistent feature of campus life, threatening free speech on campus.

Illustration of a grumpy person receiving an award

The Campus Deplatforming Hall of Fame

A few weeks ago it happened — 2024 eclipsed 2023 as the year with the most deplatforming attempts according to FIRE’s Campus Deplatforming Database.

Flag of Palestine set against the first page of the U.S. Constitution with the words "We the People" in the top left corner, and a pie chart in the middle, indicating statistics and data

2023 was the worst year on record for deplatforming attempts. 2024 is on track to beat it.

Campuses exploded in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, with attempts to deplatform speakers coming in about equal numbers from both sides.

News & Analysis

The Campus Disinvitation Database was expanded to include attempts to cancel performances, art exhibits, and film screenings." — FIRE Director of Polling and Analytics Sean Stevens

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