A study shows that nearly half of US college students opt out of mandatory DEI courses on campus.

A recent study reveals that a significant number of American college students oppose being mandated to participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Over 1,000 American college students were surveyed by College Rover, and 45 percent of them expressed opposition to mandatory DEI courses on college campuses.

Bill Townsend, the founder of College Rover and author of the November study, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that students who are against mandatory DEI programs do so because they fear being forced to participate, which they view as infringing on their personal choice or ideological freedom.

According to his report, 54 percent of college students believe that "these classes should be mandatory for all students."

The author stated that the survey results showed a split among students on the topic of DEI initiatives, with a nuanced and polarized stance. The consistency in the results suggests that entrenched perspectives are influenced by both growing awareness of the benefits of DEI and persistent skepticism about their execution.

Despite some college students being against the mandatory implementation of DEI courses at universities, the majority of them view DEI programs positively, with 70% of students stating that these initiatives have enhanced their comprehension of diversity and inclusion.

While 79% of Democratic students view DEI programs as positive, 64% of Republican students share the same sentiment.

A study found that only 47% of college students would be interested in a class that focuses on race, gender, or identity. Among Republican students, only 30% expressed interest, while 60% of Democratic students said they would take such a class.

The report stated that only 10% of students said they feel uncomfortable discussing race, gender, or sexual identity in class, mainly because of the fear of being judged or misunderstood.

Students appear to be more open to DEI initiatives than the general public, according to Townsend's observation.

"The students' opinions align with the intensity of public discourse, but they seem more receptive to dialogue and collaboration," he stated, emphasizing that "almost half of the students reported that DEI initiatives broadened their perspectives."

"Academic environments that foster dialogue may contribute to this openness, although some individuals are still reluctant due to the fear of being judged."

Townsend cited the "growing public debate surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in education and their tangible impact on students" as the reason for his study.

He said, "Given the high level of polarization, we aimed to base our discussion on facts and asked: Do these programs promote inclusivity or exacerbate division?"

In 2024, major American universities have responded to public backlash by rolling back their DEI programs. Texas public universities have eliminated DEI offices, positions, and mandatory training, resulting in layoffs and restructuring at institutions like the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M.

In 2024, the University of Michigan abolished a set of DEI requirements and announced that it will no longer require diversity statements during faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure processes.

The school's faculty working group recommended that the university discard the statements because they could restrict freedom of expression and diversity of thought on campus.

In May, the University of North Carolina system redirected millions from DEI initiatives to public safety and discontinued DEI programs on campuses. Meanwhile, Iowa's three public universities — the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa — began eliminating DEI offices and reallocating funds after a state law was passed earlier this year.

In 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration imposed restrictions on DEI in public universities.

On the 2024 campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump pledged to eliminate DEI programs in the federal government, after the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden administration spent over $1 billion on DEI initiatives.

Townsend stated that while 70% of people view DEI initiatives positively, concerns about whether DEI promotes diversity of thought are valid. To be successful, DEI programs must balance inclusivity with a lack of ideological conformity, as expressed by Townsend to Fox.

The researcher warned that rejecting DEI programs altogether could be a rash move.

""The lack of proper training and resources in teaching about DEI has weakened many of its positive aspects, which may be seen as discarding the 'baby with the bathwater,'" he stated."

He stated that pendulums in society and societal moods are more frequent and abrupt due to the internet and social media, especially when the latter is manipulated.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.