Poll Reveals 57% American Support for Colorblind University Admissions

New York, NY – A recent poll conducted by the Manhattan Institute, released in conjunction with the "Manhattan Statement on Higher Education," indicates widespread public support for significant reforms within American higher education. The survey, which polled 2,000 registered voters nationwide between June 10th and June 13th, 2025, found that only 15% of voters expressed a great deal of trust in Ivy League colleges.

A key finding from the poll highlights that 57% of voters support requiring universities to adopt a colorblind approach, effectively reining in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and abolishing race-based admissions. This sentiment was consistent across demographics, including majorities of Democrats (69%), Republicans (79%), independents (66%), and various racial groups.

The "Manhattan Statement on Higher Education," co-authored by Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and signed by over forty academics and civic leaders, calls for a "new contract" between the federal government and universities. The statement proposes six principles for reform, including prioritizing truth over ideology, institutional neutrality, colorblind equality, free speech, civil discourse, and administrative transparency. Christopher Rufo stated that the American people face a "decision point: to continue subsidizing the corruption of the universities, or to demand sensible, popular, and targeted reforms."

Beyond admissions, the poll revealed strong backing for other reforms. Over half of respondents (51%) believe universities should protect free speech even if it offends, while 64% support enforcing rigorous academic standards to prioritize truth over ideology. Furthermore, voters overwhelmingly supported banning disruptive behaviors on campus, with 79% endorsing penalties for property damage and 75% for calls to violence.

Jesse Arm, whose tweet brought attention to these findings, noted, "Americans distrust universities—but they overwhelmingly back bold, common-sense reforms." The Manhattan Institute's initiative aims to address what it describes as a crisis in higher education, seeking to restore academic integrity and public trust. The comprehensive survey results underscore a public appetite for fundamental changes in university governance and practices.