Majority of US students now support speech codes

A recent poll has found that a record number of undergraduates in the US back restrictions on free speech, with a slight majority (51%) of students in the survey supporting “speech codes to regulate speech for students and faculty”1. This marks a 10% point increase from last year and the first time in the history of the survey (since 2015) that an outright majority favored speech codes1. In addition, this is also the first year in which students support ‘shout downs’ than oppose them1.

The poll has raised concerns about censorship and cancellation efforts on college campuses and the impact of these attitudes on the workforce1. Critics argue that these censorious attitudes limit free speech and stifle intellectual diversity, while supporters argue that speech codes are necessary to protect marginalized groups and promote inclusivity1. The debate over free speech on college campuses is likely to continue as students bring these attitudes with them into the workforce.

Key facts:

• A recent poll has found that a record number of undergraduates in the US back restrictions on free speech, with a slight majority (51%) of students in the survey supporting “speech codes to regulate speech for students and faculty”1.
• This marks a 10% point increase from last year and the first time in the history of the survey (since 2015) that an outright majority favored speech codes1.
• The poll has raised concerns about censorship and cancellation efforts on college campuses and the impact of these attitudes on the workforce1.
• Critics argue that these censorious attitudes limit free speech and stifle intellectual diversity, while supporters argue that speech codes are necessary to protect marginalized groups and promote inclusivity1.
• The incident highlights the importance of addressing free speech and the need to ensure that policies and attitudes promote inclusivity and intellectual diversity while protecting marginalized groups.