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Study finds little on free speech in colleges’ freshman orientation materials

An analysis by a conservative free speech advocacy group shows that U.S. colleges are emphasizing diversity, equity and inclusion more than free speech in their freshman orientation materials.

Speech First reported Wednesday that it used Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain slides, videos and handouts for freshman orientation from 51 public colleges and universities.

According to the group’s analysis, 91% of the materials mention diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) topics. By comparison, 32% discuss free speech and 39% reference diversity of viewpoints.

“They focus incessantly on issues regarding race, sexual orientation, gender identity and guilting incoming students into believing they are implicitly biased and must view themselves and their fellow students as possible racists and bigots,” said Cherise Trump, Speech First’s executive director.