Defending Education Poll: Parents Increasingly Skeptical Towards Higher Education Institutions on Hot Button Issues

Washington, D.C. – Defending Education has released new polling of parents with children aged 15–21 revealing parents are at odds with our country’s higher education institutions on several contentious issues that are consistently in today’s political dialogue. Specifically, areas of concern include foreign funding of universities, the sharp uptick and prevalence of antisemitism, biological men in women’s sports & restrooms, & DEI on campuses. College campuses have been ground zero for a lot of these controversial issues. This in turn has led to the deepening of political divisions regarding the priorities of America’s colleges and universities. 

As higher education faces scrutiny from families, students, and policymakers, this new data offers valuable insight into shifting public opinion.

To view the toplines click HERE.

To view the crosstabs click HERE.

Key findings:

• 82% of parents support universities being required to disclose any money accepted from foreign governments. 
• 60% of parents oppose biological males who identify as female being allowed to participate in collegiate women’s sports teams.
• 61% of parents oppose biological males who identify as females being allowed to use female restrooms on campus.
• 67% of parents support universities offering or requiring more training for faculty and staff to properly address and identify antisemitism and Jewish discrimination on campus.
• 69% of parents support disciplining students for disrupting campus events they disagree with.
• 54% of parents oppose universities prioritizing race when awarding scholarships.
• 57% of parents oppose universities giving preference for employment to candidates of a particular race.
• 84% of parents feel that it is concerning universities are launching remedial math courses since high school graduates are not coming prepared for college level math courses.

Statement from Paul Runko Defending Education’s Director of Strategic Initiatives:

“It’s no surprise that American parents and students expect a college experience that is academically rigorous, open to diverse viewpoints, and focused on preparing graduates for meaningful careers. Colleges and universities should take note when families express concern about campus climates—calling for environments free from political extremism, ideological agendas, antisemitism, and campus disruptions.”