Students fear their freedom of expression is under threat, survey reveals 

Students fear their freedom of expression is under threat because they can’t speak their minds while on campus, survey reveals

  • King’s College research found quarter are scared of disagreeing with their peers
  • The effect appeared to be worse for those on the political Right of the spectrum
  • 59 per cent of Conservative-supporting students are reluctant to express views 

Students say their freedom of expression at universities is under threat, a major survey has found.

Research by King’s College London has found one in five students – 22 per cent – believe they can’t speak their minds while on campus.

And 12 per cent of students say they have ‘very or fairly often’ heard about incidents where freedom of expression has been inhibited in their university.

A quarter say they are unable to express their views at university because they are ‘scared of disagreeing with their peers’.

And the effect appeared to be worse for those on the political Right – with 59 per cent of Conservative-supporting students say those with conservative views are reluctant to express them.

Research by King’s College London has found one in five students – 22 per cent – believe they can’t speak their minds while on campus (stock image)

Among students of other political affiliations, 24 per cent of Labour supporters, 22 per cent of Lib Dems and 20 per cent of Greens say they feel unable to express their views.

It comes after numerous incidents of speakers, newspapers and events being banned by student unions over claims they are ‘offensive’.

Many students were previously in favour of the censorious bans, but it appears they are starting to wake up to the threat they pose to free speech.

In addition, half of students think freedom of expression is being threatened in the UK overall.

However, despite the concerns of some, 73 per cent of students said debates and discussions in their university were civil and respected the rights and dignity of others. 

And 63 per cent said free speech and robust debate were well protected in their university.

Professor Jonathan Grant, vice-president at King’s, said: ‘Most students do not think freedom of expression is under threat at their institution and few have encountered incidents where people have been prevented from voicing their opinions.

‘But that doesn’t mean more can’t be done to ensure that everyone – especially those on the Right of the political spectrum – feel comfortable in discussing and debating their views.’