I also read Professor Gould’s attack on FIRE. Even if his argument that FIRE exaggerates the degree to which colleges and universities inhibit free speech were completely true (and I don’t think it is), so what? Labor unions often exaggerate supposed workplace hazards and mistreatment of employees.

Would Gould similarly favor stamping them out?

Over the years, FIRE has done a lot of excellent work representing students and professors — without regard to their political views — who have been subjected to punishment for things they have said or written. It has also identified many instances where school policies would run afoul of the First Amendment if challenged, as in this report on First Amendment problems within the UNC system commissioned by the Pope Center.

First Amendment rights within higher education need an alert, tough watchdog. FIRE plays that part wonderfully. It’s hard to see why Gould is so hostile to that endeavor.