‘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

This study investigates how political ideologies influence university students’ perceptions of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) discussions at a Post-92 university in the United Kingdom. In light of the increasingly contested nature of EDI within higher education, the study critically examines how political beliefs influence students’ engagement with these initiatives. This study reports on qualitative data gathered through open-ended survey responses from 224 students and analysed using Thematic Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings identified four key themes: (1) student perceptions of university-led discussions on discrimination and EDI, (2) the impact of perceived bias on free speech and engagement, (3) discomfort among students with non-left-wing political views, and (4) scepticism regarding the university’s commitment to EDI. While some students valued the university’s proactive efforts in promoting EDI, others perceived these initiatives as ideologically biased and limiting to open discourse. Notably, conservative and right-leaning students reported feelings of alienation, citing concerns about ideological bias and a lack of academic neutrality. Scepticism also emerged about the sincerity of EDI efforts, with some students viewing them as performative rather than substantive. The study highlights the difficulties universities face in fostering EDI while upholding academic freedom of speech and embracing ideological diversity.