65% of College Students Self-Censor Amid Declining Campus Civility, Reports Indicate

Concerns about the state of discourse and interpersonal relations on college campuses are intensifying, with recent observations pointing to a correlation between rising academic grades and a decline in civic friendship. Steve McGuire, the Paul & Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), recently highlighted this trend, stating, > “It’s no coincidence that as grades have gone up, civic friendship between people with different views and backgrounds has gone down, both on campuses and in the nation at large.”

McGuire’s remarks underscore a growing sentiment among educators and observers that an environment of heightened confidence in personal beliefs may be contributing to aggressive behaviors. He noted, > “Students are so confident in their beliefs that they verbally assault professors and guest lecturers and physically assault classmates and janitorial staff.” This perceived erosion of civility is further supported by reports from organizations like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and the Knight Foundation, which indicate a significant portion of students, 65%, now self-censor on campus, refraining from expressing opinions for fear of negative consequences.

The discussion around campus civility is often intertwined with the debate on grade inflation. McGuire and others suggest that the increasing prevalence of high grades may inadvertently foster a lack of humility among students. A November 2024 article from "Minding the Campus," a publication often critical of higher education trends, echoed these concerns, linking widespread grade inflation to a broader "dumbing down of America" in academia, where students achieve higher grades for less rigorous work.

This phenomenon, where academic achievement seemingly outpaces actual learning, may lead students to overestimate their capabilities, as suggested by research in journals like "Teaching and Supervision in Counseling." Such studies have explored how perceived grade inflation can be linked to students observing peers engaging in unethical behaviors, including not contributing adequately to group work, yet still receiving high marks.

McGuire emphasized the critical need for introspection within academic institutions. He concluded his statement by asserting, > “A dose of humility is needed, and it can start in the classroom.” This call suggests that addressing the root causes of declining civility and fostering genuine intellectual engagement requires a re-evaluation of academic standards and the cultivation of a more open, respectful, and self-aware campus culture.