KEY IDEA: Our new survey, encompassing 2,250 college students across 131 universities, reveals a disheartening trend. Not only do students seem to be closing the door to the diversity of thought that fosters innovation and progress, but many are unaware of the progress the world.
Original author and publication date: John Bitzan (The Hill) – August 31, 2023
Futurizonte Editor’s Note: It seems that our future leaders know almost nothing about the future or about leadership. Ugly situation, indeed.
From the article:
It’s a time of excitement and optimism on campus, as universities nationwide welcome new students — future leaders and innovators who will contribute to societal advancement.
But fresh evidence paints a concerning picture: American universities might be falling short in cultivating the appreciation for freedom essential for societal progress. Our new survey, encompassing 2,250 college students across 131 universities, reveals a disheartening trend. Not only do students seem to be closing the door to the diversity of thought that fosters innovation and progress, but many are unaware of the progress the world and the U.S. have made and the essential role played by economic freedom in this progress.
At the outset, our survey seemingly paints a rosy picture, with most students reporting an academic environment that supports diverse opinions and multiple perspectives. Students seem to be at ease voicing their thoughts, even on topics that tend to ruffle feathers.
However, a starkly different reality emerges when the curtains are pulled back.
A deeper dive reveals that this comfort in expressing opinions is a mirage for nearly half of the students, who feel at ease only because their views are in sync with the majority.
What about the rest? A staggering 72 percent of students who aren’t at ease in sharing their views feel like outcasts, fearing their opinions would be shunned. Furthermore, 35 percent support the idea of barring speakers whose thoughts don’t resonate with the student body, and 42 percent favor omitting readings that could be unsettling.
