Miller, Denise A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9947-0616, Morgan, Robert ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7891-2662 and Kosek, Agnes (2025) "A university should be a place open to the exchange of ideas, not one of censorship": balancing equity, diversity, and inclusion and free speech in academia. In: British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference 2025, 9th - 11th September, 2025, University of Sussex.

PDF (Accepted Conference Paper) 50628 MILLER_A_University_Should_Be_A_Place_Open_To_The_Exchange_Of_Ideas_Not_One_Of_Censorship_(AAM)_2025.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (43kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines how political ideologies influence university students' perceptions of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) discussions at a Post-92 university in the United Kingdom. EDI topics in higher education have become increasingly contentious and reflect broader societal polarization (Henderson et al., 2017). The research explores how students' political beliefs intersect with their attitudes toward institutional EDI initiatives.
Methods: Using qualitative methods, the study collected data from 224 students through open-ended survey responses. Thematic Analysis was used to identify key themes, while Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) (Fairclough, 2010) was used to explore the role of language in ideologies within students’ responses.
Discussion of Findings: The study identifies a wide divide in perceptions along political lines. Students with left-leaning ideologies generally perceive the university's EDI efforts positively. They emphasize the importance of open dialogue in fostering understanding, personal growth, and cultural exchange (Osbourne et al., 2022). Conversely, students with non-left-wing ideologies view these initiatives as politically motivated and biased. They express discomfort, alienation, and frustration, citing concerns over the university's alignment with ideologically charged movements. The perceived association of EDI efforts with political agendas, particularly movements such as Black Lives Matter, exacerbates these divides (Collett, 2023).
Implications for policy and practice: This study highlights the importance of balancing EDI initiatives to avoid alienating students whose views may not be in accord with the dominant perspectives on EDI. A one-size-fits-all approach risks deepening polarization and limiting meaningful critical discourse on EDI, as it can inadvertently silence dissenting voices and create an environment where genuine engagement is replaced by performative agreement (Dotson, 2017).

Item Type:	Conference or Conference Paper (Poster)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	university, free speech, academia
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Inequalities Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Related URLs:	Organisation Organisation Organisation
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2025 09:34
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50628

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