Peer Pressure and the Suppression of Viewpoint Diversity on Campus

HxA’s Campus Expression Survey shows that nearly two-thirds of students are reluctant to share their views in class, with fear of retribution from peers being the main reason why. Recent speaker shout downs at Stanford, SFSU, and SUNY Albany show how social pressure is effective in silencing dissenting views during campus events. And FIRE’s Academic Mind survey shows that a quarter of faculty self-censor in academic publications, and over half are worried about their reputation being harmed over someone misrepresenting their views.

In this live discussion with academics at all levels of the university, panelists explored how social dynamics can inhibit viewpoint diversity on college campuses. And, importantly, they discuss what faculty and campus leaders can do to foster free campus expression.

Related Reading:

• HxA 2022 Campus Expression Survey https://heterodoxacademy.org/2022-campus-expression-survey-report/
• FIRE 2023 Academic Mind Survey https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/academic-mind-2022-what-faculty-think-about-free-expression-and-academic-freedom
• The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony, by Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer https://www.powerofus.online/
• What the Data Say about Student Support for Shout-downs, Blockades, and Violence by Kevin Wallsten https://heterodoxacademy.org/blog/what-the-data-say-about-student-support-for-shout-downs-blockades-and-violence/
• Shouting Down Speakers Who Offend https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/free-speech/2023/04/13/shouting-down-speakers-who-offend

• How to Handle Controversial Speakers on Campus https://sponsored.chronicle.com/Controversial-Speakers/index.html