View the full results of our Survation Poll
POLL RESULTS: 50% OF STUDENTS FEEL CENSORED ON CAMPUS
The findings of the national poll follow a number of recent legal challenges to universities across the UK who have been accused of stifling free speech. The parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights released a report on Freedom of Speech in Universities in 2018, which not only raised concerns about speech restrictions, but the growing phenomenon of “no-platforming” – the exclusion of certain groups or speakers from participation in student discourse.
1 in 4 students don’t share their true opinions because they clash with those promoted by their university.
1 in 10 students hide their political opinions in fear that they clash with their university’s views.
50% of students feel their peers will treat them differently if they express their true views about some issues important to them.
44% of students fear that lecturers will treat them differently if they express their true opinions on important issues.
40% of students stated that views held by speakers, and pressure from other student groups, has led more frequently to cancellation of events.
More than one third of students feel their careers would be adversely affected if they express their views about some issues important to them.
More than one third of students feel their university, student union or peers would judge them if they expressed their true values and opinions.
Almost 50% of male students feel their careers would be adversely affected if they express their views about some issues important to them.
Almost half of London students fear that expressing their true opinions would have a negative impact on career prospects.
50% of London students feel their lecturers will treat them differently if they express their true opinions on some important issues.
Half of Scottish students feel their lecturers will treat them differently if they express their true opinions on some important issues.