US college students show record intolerance toward controversial speakers

A six-year study of nearly 300,000 college undergraduates conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression reveals a record-high number of US students supporting the banning of controversial speakers on campus. The study indicates a growing trend where students increasingly view violence, shouting down speakers, or blocking event access as acceptable methods to silence speech.

Data shows decreasing tolerance for various viewpoints across the political spectrum. Tolerance for speakers discussing transgender issues, the classification of Black Lives Matter, and abortion legality has declined between 2024 and 2025. Similarly, tolerance for certain left-wing talking points regarding the Catholic Church, policing, and parental consent for gender transitions also saw a decrease during the same period.