A new survey reveals not only do most college students support free speech even if it offends, but they live in fear of being targeted by liberal activists.
“College students largely agree that the political and social climate on college campuses prevents some students from saying what they really believe because they’re afraid of offending their classmates,” a new national survey by the Knight Foundation reports. “More than two-thirds (68 percent) of college students say their campus climate precludes students from expressing their true opinions because their classmates might find them offensive.”
The survey reveals students of all races live in fear of campus liberals.
“At least six in 10 [Asian/Pacific Islander] (74 percent), white (69 percent), Hispanic (66 percent), and black (61 percent) students say that concern about offending their classmates prevents some students from expressing their opinions,” the report finds.“(D)espite widespread news coverage of campus protests, young people are generally supportive of free speech protections and skeptical about actions taken to disrupt speakers from engaging the campus community.”
The study also found widespread support for free speech, even if it is “hateful” or offensive, as well as the belief free speech is more important than making people feel “safe.”
“Six in 10 college students say that these days too many people are easily offended over the language that others use,” the report finds.
“Most college students agree that hate speech, defined as ‘attacks [on] people based on their race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation,’ ought to be protected by the First Amendment,” the report reveals. Nearly six in 10 college students believe such speech should be protected, while 41 percent disagree.”
Students also reject liberalism’s “cancel culture,” which uses disruption and violence to censor speech that does not conform to their political agenda.
“There is general support for the principle of protesting public expression on campus, but few students believe that disruptive actions are ever always justifiable. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of students categorically reject the use of violence as a part of protesting those with whom they disagree.”
Despite almost-daily videos of college campus activists screaming and protesting to disrupt speeches by conservatives, only six percent of college students believe “shouting down speakers or trying to prevent them from talking” is “always acceptable.”
More students believe shouting down speakers is “never acceptable” than believe it is “sometimes acceptable,” by a 48 percent to 45 percent margin.
83 percent of college students believe it is “never acceptable” to use violence to disrupt a speech or rally.
It also found college students are more likely to believe “protecting free speech rights” is more important than “promot(ing) an inclusive and welcoming society,” by a 53 percent to 46 percent margin.
The report also finds most students agree with the growing realization the media are engaged in “Fake News.”
“Students today express less confidence in the veracity of the news media than they did the previous year. Less than half of U.S. college students trust the news media to cover current events accurately,” the report finds.
AAN Staff
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