Most Americans say that colleges should teach students how to think critically but not what to think. That’s the latest finding from the Vanderbilt Unity poll, which takes the pulse of Americans’ attitudes towards higher education. Some 90% of respondents say that teaching students to think more logically is the most important aspect of a college education. They also want colleges and universities to stay out of politics, though they’re divided on what subjects should be taught.
“One of the clearest findings is that the public wants colleges to get back to basics,” said John Geer, co-director of the poll and professor of political science.
“When you ask about the core purposes of a college education, you see almost no political polarization,” he said. “That is, progressives and MAGAites agree — a rare thing these days.”
Vanderbilt Poll Co-Director Josh Clinton said most Americans value colleges for teaching students to think critically, process information and contribute to society in a meaningful way.
“Overwhelmingly, people want politics kept out of the classroom,” Clinton said. “They don’t want professors using the classroom to push political views, and they don’t want politicians trying to dictate what happens in higher education. People want education to be about education.”
Mixed opinions
Sixty-five percent of Americans said the government should not try to control how professors teach in colleges and universities.
Still, respondents had their own opinions about what should be in the curriculum.
Most believe that colleges should cover the history of slavery in America and offer classes on racial and religious prejudice. But the public is more divided on topics like gender identity, sexual orientation and gay marriage, with only 37% believing there should be classes covering these issues. And 31% would prefer those topics not be discussed at all.
Researchers note the push for neutrality in the classroom is not new, citing polls from the 1940s in which respondents said that professors should present both sides when discussing ideologies like socialism and capitalism. Today’s respondents agreed and noted that professors should refrain from expressing their personal opinions.
The value of a degree
The poll also found political division about whether a college education is worth the investment of cost and time. Only 40% of those who identify as MAGA believe that college is worth the cost or time. On other hand, 76% of Democrats said the time investment is worthwhile.
Many Americans also have feelings of distrust towards higher education, with 45% saying that most colleges don’t align with their values and 44% feeling that they don’t serve the public interest.
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