Peer Pressure and the Suppression of Viewpoint Diversity on Campus

Peer Pressure and the Suppression of Viewpoint Diversity on Campus

HxA’s Campus Expression Survey shows that nearly two-thirds of students are reluctant to share their views in class, with fear of retribution from peers being the main reason why. Recent speaker shout downs at Stanford, SFSU, and SUNY Albany show how social pressure is effective in silencing dissenting views during campus events. And FIRE’s Academic Mind survey shows that a quarter of faculty self-censor in academic publications, and over half are worried about their reputation being harmed over someone misrepresenting their views.

In this live discussion with academics at all levels of the university, panelists explored how social dynamics can inhibit viewpoint diversity on college campuses. And, importantly, they discuss what faculty and campus leaders can do to foster free campus expression.

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[DAWN]

Unfortunately, diversity as implemented in many places are actually through conformity of opinions.
About tenure, how do you deal with tenured faculty who teach at substandard level? In order to protect academic freedom, you also protect deadwoods. What alternatives are available to protect free speech and also keep the faculty accountable for student learning outcomes?

[nuqwestr]

10:25 A prescription for hegemonic conformity, not new, not progressive, and the root of our contemporary problems, not the solution.

[jourdansimmang]

Something you said, Jay, about post frequency is noodling through my mind. If our younger, elementary and secondary, students are exposed only to the high-frequency, egotististical, self-perceived intellectually superior individuals, how can the more complex, nuanced, and intellectually humble posters gain more traction?

[penguinsinarizona]

This is also relevant to the office, nowadays. "DEI, Inc., " ironically, is causing the same suppression in business, as well. I hear from people regularly who are afraid to offer up alternative viewpoints for fear of losing their jobs. We have a DEI group who apparently has never heard of change management and refuses to take feedback. The C-level doesn't appear to understand the impact this is having on morale, but it does look like they're embracing the goodness of checking that inclusion box, even if it excludes many of their employees' thoughts or opinions.