Low college enrollment and trust trapped in a cycle of liberal ideology

Back in the 1960s, activists on college campuses often posed the question, “What if they gave a war and nobody came?”

Today, social justice warriors may soon find themselves asking the same question as more and more young people opt out of pursuing higher education.

Confidence in higher education has hit historic lows. Gallup reports that confidence in universities dropped to 36% in 2023, down from 57% in 2015. Unsurprisingly, the largest declines are seen among Republicans and Independents, likely due to the increasing intolerance of differing viewpoints on campuses.

Enrollments have seen a significant decline nationwide. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of students enrolled in higher education dropped from approximately 18.1 million to about 15.4 million.

While various factors contribute to this decline, such as declining birth rates and economic challenges, a growing perception of higher education as an academic echo chamber for far-left agendas is also a significant deterrent. Many students are turned off by the idea of attending institutions where they are expected to engage in self-censorship and are taught by professors who reject their values as part of the curriculum.

Fears are amplified by surveys indicating the purging of Republicans, conservatives, and libertarians from many academic departments.

In his book “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage,” the author highlights the growing intolerance in higher education and shared findings that many departments lack any Republican representation, as faculty tend to mirror their own views and values.

A study found that only 9% of law professors identified as conservative.

Many academic programs have shifted towards degrees in activism, while criticizing subjects like math, science, and classics as examples of white privilege.

An academic echo chamber controls publications, speaking opportunities, and advancement among like-minded individuals. As this circle tightens, it becomes increasingly difficult for dissenting voices to be heard.

Trust in the media has also hit record lows, similar to the polling on higher education. This has led to the rise of new media sources as people seek alternative news outlets.

Similar trends are emerging in academia, with some universities and colleges spiraling downward as administrators and faculty push their ideological agendas onto the student body.

However, alternative educational opportunities are gaining momentum. Projects like the Catherine Project, which offers discussions on classic works free from ideological bias, have seen a significant increase in participation.

Our institutions are being undermined by an overabundance of ideology and a lack of courage. Many administrators and departments continue to shut out opposing views, maintaining the academic echo chamber. Despite the declining state of their institutions, those with tenure expect to weather the storm while basking in the glory of their academic activism. Unfortunately, it is challenging to be social warriors in a battle where no one shows up.

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University and the author of “The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage” (Simon & Schuster).