Study Reveals 75% of Students Hesitant to Share Views in Class

A recent study by the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy indicates that fewer than 25% of university students feel comfortable discussing their views on controversial subjects in classroom settings. The report, titled Freedom of Expression on Campus: A Survey of Students’ Perceptions of Free Speech at Canadian Universities, surveyed 760 students from 34 institutions, exploring their willingness to engage in discussions around politics, religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Co-author Martin Mrazik, a professor at the University of Calgary, emphasized the implications of these findings. “There has long been a presumption that university classrooms organically support open inquiry and the exchange of ideas,” he stated. “Our findings suggest otherwise. The data reveal that students are remaining silent in the classroom for fear of consequences, be they social or academic.”

While the study found that an overwhelming 93.4% of students are comfortable discussing non-controversial issues, only 23.6% felt free to express their opinions on all five controversial topics. The results indicate a stark contrast in comfort levels among different groups. Those most at ease in sharing their views include students who identify as liberal, secular, racialized, homosexual, and/or gender-nonconforming. Notably, only 0.4% of students aligned with all five characteristics.

Concerns about repercussions were prevalent. Over two-thirds of students identifying as politically moderate expressed fears that sharing their viewpoints could lead to formal complaints or negatively impact their grades. Similarly, 85% of students who identify as “very conservative” reported similar fears regarding academic penalties. In contrast, more than three in four “very liberal” students indicated they were not at all concerned about facing formal complaints.

The study also highlighted troubling experiences among marginalized groups. At least 15% of Jewish students reported facing daily abuse on campus simply for their identity. In contrast, no atheist or agnostic participants indicated experiencing daily mistreatment regarding their beliefs.

In a related survey conducted by Leger for the Fraser Institute, only one in three Canadian university students expressed fears of formal consequences for sharing their honest viewpoints in class. The poll found that 37% of self-identified right-leaning students, 33% of centre-leaning students, and 30% of left-leaning students were concerned about potential repercussions for expressing views that diverge from what is considered the “safe” stance on controversial topics.

Moreover, 58% of right-leaning students and 51% of left-leaning students believe there is a “safe” political view on controversial topics discussed in university classes. The poll also revealed that 40% of right-leaning students and 35% of left-leaning students feel constrained in their ability to ask questions or challenge prevailing norms on sensitive issues.

“These findings raise serious questions about the quality of university education Canadian students are receiving,” said co-author Michael Zwaagstra. “Students should never be afraid to ask tough questions, express their honest opinions or challenge conventional views in class.”

Conducted from May 1-22, 2023, the online Leger poll included 985 undergraduate students and 215 graduate students, with a margin of error of 2.8%, 19 times out of 20. The studies collectively highlight growing concerns around freedom of expression on campuses, suggesting a need for universities to foster a more inclusive environment for diverse opinions.