A new poll suggests that a significant portion of Canadian university students are hesitant to voice honest opinions in class, fearing formal repercussions such as lower grades.
The Leger survey, commissioned by the Fraser Institute and released Wednesday, found that 37 per cent of self-described right-leaning students and 30 per cent of left-leaning students worry about consequences for expressing viewpoints that diverge from the perceived “safe” stance on controversial topics.
“When students attend university, it is assumed that they will encounter a broad array of opinions, and that differing views will be discussed, contested and debated openly. But that’s not happening at campuses across Canada, according to the students themselves,” said Matthew D. Mitchell, senior fellow with the Fraser Institute and co-author of Canadian Students Are Getting a One-Sided University Education.
The poll, which surveyed nearly 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students online in May, also found that:
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58 per cent of right-leaning students and 51 per cent of left-leaning students believe there is a “safe” political view on controversial topics in classes.
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40 per cent of right-leaning students and 35 per cent of left-leaning students feel constrained in asking questions, offering unconventional thoughts, or challenging norms.
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Half of right-leaning students and more than one-third of left-leaning students said they feel uncomfortable expressing honest opinions due to their professor’s political views.
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85 per cent of right-leaning students and 45 per cent of left-leaning students believe their professors advocate a leftist viewpoint.
“Students should never be afraid to ask tough questions, express their honest opinions or challenge conventional views in class,” said co-author Michael Zwaagstra. “These findings raise serious questions about the quality of university education Canadian students are receiving.”
The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 per cent, 19 times out of 20.