Nearly 50% of US College Students Oppose Mandatory DEI Courses, Labeling Them 'Discriminatory'
While 70% values DEI's role in fostering inclusivity but only 47% willing to take courses on identity topics.
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In College Rover, a study revealed that 45% of American college students oppose mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) classes. According to them, participating in such classes deprives one of personal choice and ideological freedom, though 54% still advocate for such classes to be made mandatory.
Based on more than 1,000 college students, the opinion reveals a stark division in attitudes, considering the Trump Administration's plan to abolish DEI initiatives.
Despite the split, FOX News reported that students generally are favorable toward DEI programs. In fact, 70% of respondents believe these programs improve their understanding of diversity and inclusion. Democratic students tend to be more supportive than their Republican counterparts, with 79% of the former describing DEI as beneficial, compared with 64% of the latter.
Still, fewer students are interested in taking courses specifically focused on race, gender, or identity, with only 47% expressing a willingness to enroll in such classes.
The survey also implies that as much as the students fear judgment on such sensitive matters as race and gender, especially in a space of academic engagement, they still view DEI programs as beneficial for developing openness. The college founder, Bill Townsend raises an argument that perhaps this openness can be attributed to the academic environments where discussion and dialogue are encouraged, even though public criticism of DEI programs continues to thrive.
Read more: US Public Universities Shift DEI Funds to Other Priorities Over Budget and Policy Pressures
DEI Programs in the Future
In response to these growing criticisms, many universities are cutting back DEI programs. For example, the University of Texas and the University of Michigan completely eliminated DEI offices, training, and requirements, both citing concerns related to freedom of expression. Additionally, states Florida, Iowa, and North Carolina recently diverted funding taken from DEI initiatives to funding public safety areas.
University Herald also reported that US public universities are investing their DEI funding in other sectors over budget issues.
While some believe the removal of DEI programs undermines efforts toward greater inclusion, Townsend cautioned that the scales must be balanced. In fact, he said abandoning all DEI work could do more harm than good because "half-baked initiatives" could ultimately be counterproductive.
