A recent study reveals that universities in the United States are expected to play a broader role in addressing societal issues beyond their traditional missions of education and research. Conducted by Michèle Belot, a professor at Cornell University, the research highlights a general consensus among Americans regarding the responsibilities of higher education institutions, particularly in light of political polarization.
The study, titled “The Role of Universities in Society,” was published on November 7, 2024, in Science Advances. It surveyed over 2,000 U.S. citizens, gathering insights shortly after the election of Donald J. Trump and amid scrutiny of university responses to student protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Belot found that while there is broad support for university engagement in various initiatives, opinions diverge significantly along gender and political lines. Men and conservatives were less supportive of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, while women and liberals expressed strong backing for such programs. Despite these divisions, the study indicates that universities hold a unique responsibility to leverage their expertise and influence in addressing societal challenges.
Public Expectations for University Engagement
The research sought to understand public sentiment regarding the appropriate scope of university involvement in ten different initiatives, including health and well-being, environmental sustainability, and free speech policies. According to the findings, political engagement was the only initiative that received a definitive “no” from respondents, regardless of their demographic background.
Health and well-being emerged as the most supported initiative, followed by global perspectives. Other areas, such as DEI and environmental sustainability, saw a split in support, with liberals favoring these initiatives and conservatives advocating for free speech and patriotism.
Belot emphasized the importance of accountability for universities, stating, “It would be good to know what the general public expects from institutions that potentially have such a large impact.” The survey revealed that respondents were willing to consider trade-offs in funding when assessing universities based on their performance in various areas. Participants allocated $30 among pairs of universities, ranking them according to academic performance, environmental sustainability, DEI, and free speech.
Insights on Funding and Performance
Results from this allocation task highlighted that participants prioritized academic performance most significantly, with top-ranked schools receiving an average of $3 more in funding. Sustainability and free speech also garnered attention, while DEI initiatives faced significant backlash from conservative respondents.
Belot noted, “Conservatives dislike DEI so much that they are actually willing to sacrifice on academic performance rather than having a university engage in these types of activities.” The findings illustrate a notable reluctance among conservative individuals to support universities that prioritize DEI efforts, even if those institutions demonstrate higher academic performance.
Overall, the research challenges narratives suggesting that universities should limit their focus strictly to education and research. Instead, it advocates for a more engaged approach, particularly in promoting health and well-being, which the researchers describe as a high priority across demographic groups.
“Universities are uniquely positioned to take the lead in fostering well-being within their communities,” the report concludes. By embracing this role, they can bridge ideological divides and contribute positively to societal progress.
