How to Research a College’s Real Culture

Resources

Issues

Why Does a College’s Culture Matter?


A university’s true culture is reflected not just in its promotional materials and stated policies but in its actions and enforcement practices. Understanding this culture is crucial for students and parents aiming to ensure an environment that upholds free speech, intellectual diversity, and equitable treatment.​

Where to Look for the Real Story

1. Investigate Free Speech Policies and Past Violations

  • Review FIRE’s College Free Speech Rankings: The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) assesses colleges based on their commitment to free speech and student experiences. Notably, in their 2025 rankings, only 13% of over 58,000 students surveyed nationally reported feeling comfortable expressing disagreement with their professor on a controversial political topic during class discussions, indicating prevalent self-censorship.​
  • Assess Policy Enforcement: Examine whether the university consistently upholds free speech principles or applies policies selectively based on the viewpoints expressed.​
  • Research Past Incidents: Investigate any history of the university disinviting speakers, disciplining students for unpopular opinions, or imposing ideological requirements on faculty.​

2. Examine Faculty Political Contributions and Ideological Balance

  • Faculty Political Donations: Analyze the political contributions of faculty members to gauge ideological leanings. A report the National Association of Scholars disclosed that professors donating to Democratic candidates outnumbered those giving to Republicans by a 95:1 ratio.​
  • Impact on Academic Environment: Consider how a predominantly homogenous political leaning among faculty might influence classroom discussions, research priorities, and the overall campus climate.​

3. Evaluate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies

  • You should be able to find your university’s DEI department by a quick internet search. In light of the Trump administration’s call to end discriminatory practices in higher education, many of these departments have been renamed with terms like “Inclusive Excellence” or “Community and Belonging”. 
  • Assess DEI Graduation Requirements: In a 2024 report titled “No Graduation Without Indoctrination: The DEI Course Mandate,” Speech First investigated 248 colleges and universities across all states, including Washington, D.C., and found that more than two-thirds (67%) of these institutions mandate DEI courses to satisfy general education requirements.
  • Impact on Curriculum: Determine whether DEI policies promote equal opportunities for all students or if they grant preferential treatment based on specific identity factors.​
  • Faculty Hiring Practices: Investigate if hiring and promotion practices are based on merit and expertise or if they are influenced by ideological considerations or discriminate based on race.​

4. Explore Academic Freedom Within Departments

  • Departmental Ideological Leanings: Recognize that different departments may have varying levels of openness to diverse viewpoints. For example, STEM fields might prioritize objective research, whereas humanities or social sciences could exhibit stronger ideological tendencies.​
  • Curriculum Analysis: Review course syllabi, required readings, and faculty research interests to assess whether multiple perspectives are encouraged or if a singular ideology dominates.​

5. Assess Commitment to Gender Ideology

  • Does the admissions representative use “preferred pronouns” in their email signature?
  • Does the university label bathrooms, “all gender expressions welcome”?
  • Are biological men allowed to compete on women’s sports teams?

6. Review Antisemitism Climate

  • After the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, many university campuses exploded with antisemetic incidents
  • A recent Hillel International survey reported that antisemitic instances have surged 360% on college campuses since the 10/7 attack and that.83% of Jewish college students have reported witnessing and experiencing antisemitism on their campuses.
  • Review ADL’s report on Campus Antisemitism and Campus Antisemitism Report Card
  • A quick internet search should reveal if your university had any of these incidents take place and what they did (if anything) to stop discrimination against Jewish students.

7. Utilize External Resources for Comprehensive Insights

Final Thought

A university’s real culture is illuminated through its actions and enforcement—not merely its promotional materials and policies. By delving into free speech practices, faculty ideological balances, DEI policies, and academic freedom across departments, students and parents can discern whether a university genuinely upholds open inquiry, intellectual diversity, and fair treatment. Making an informed choice ensures alignment with one’s values and educational aspirations.