Parents want conservative higher ed reforms, poll finds

Most American parents have increasing concerns over the overall direction of higher education, a new poll reveals.

Parents Defending Education (PDE) polled parents of children aged 15 to 21 and found most of them are grappling with the highly politicized nature of most universities.

Just 11% of respondents said their child was not enrolling in any higher education, while most had either already enrolled their children (69%) or were planning to enroll them (23%). 

Commonly cited reasons for avoiding college included the high cost of tuition (23%) and uncertainty of career goals (23%). 

Survey respondents broadly agreed on several conservative policy reforms to American colleges, including:  

• Requiring universities to disclose when they accept money from foreign sources (82%)  
• Prioritizing the enrollment of American students over foreign students (79%)  
• Opposing race-based scholarships or graduation ceremonies or the hiring and promoting of staff based on race (54-57%)  
• State governments banning policies based on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives (51%)  
• Banning transgender athletes from women’s athletics teams and restrooms (60%)  
• Housing students based on biological sex, not gender identity (59%)  
• Training university employees on antisemitism (67%)  
• Disciplining students for disrupting campus events that they disagree with (69%)  

“It’s no surprise that American parents and students expect a college experience that is academically rigorous, open to diverse viewpoints, and focused on preparing graduates for meaningful careers,” said Paul Runko, PDE’s director of strategic initiatives.

“Colleges and universities should take note when families express concern about campus climates – calling for environments free from political extremism, ideological agendas, antisemitism and campus disruptions.” 

Student violence on college campuses has been shockingly common the past few years, often targeting conservatives. 

Women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines was threatened on multiple occasions when speaking against biological men competing in women’s sports.  

At San Francisco State University, Gaines was barricaded in a classroom for hours when protesters became aggressive.  

Meanwhile, University of Pittsburgh students shut down a traffic intersection near the school when Gaines came to speak. UPitt protesters also targeted prominent commentator Michael Knowles, setting off a smoke bomb and burning an effigy of Knowles in the middle of the street.   

Additionally, Turning Point USA President Charlie Kirk faced even worse violence at UC Davis when protesters broke windows and doors, eventually requiring police intervention. 

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has attempted to address the problems.

In April, Trump signed several executive orders to overhaul the college accreditation process, remove so-called equity from school discipline and mandate the public reporting of funds received from foreign sources.

While parents continue to be wary of higher education, 59% of survey respondents approved of Trump’s job as president and 55% said the country is heading in the right direction.