A recent survey by the Buckley Institute highlights significant views among undergraduates. It reveals that 45% believe physical violence can be justified to stop what they perceive as hate speech. This perspective varies by political affiliation, with 54% of liberals, 36% of moderates, and 30% of conservatives agreeing.
The study also uncovered that 46% of students support shout downs, and 40% think offensive speech should face criminal prosecution. Additionally, 42% would prefer a socialist system, while 28% favor capitalism. Surprisingly, 22% said the U.S. deserved the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“American colleges and universities for a long time now have ceased to form students morally,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, President of Cornerstone University.
Dr. Moreno-Riaño claims the results indicate a “moral formation issue,” rather than one of free speech. The survey suggests that students are being taught to have a “violent entitlement” rather than moral reasoning.
There are rising concerns about the value of a college degree from employers. Dr. Moreno-Riaño argues that graduates leave universities with resentment instead of the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“It’s not just about degrees perceived as worthless but also about the mindset behind them,” he shared. Employers are wary of hiring individuals trained more in anger and entitlement than in reasoning and collaboration.
Dr. Moreno-Riaño further expressed worry about the historical ignorance among students regarding communism and socialism’s evils, describing it as a sign of moral and academic bankruptcy.
Some employers, he suggests, may begin hiring directly out of high schools, circumventing colleges he sees as “morally bankrupting our future.” He notes that combining this trend with the rise in artificial intelligence can lead to dangerous, sharp minds without a moral compass.
To preserve democracy, Dr. Moreno-Riaño believes education must emphasize reasoning and dialogue over violent actions against differing views.
The Buckley Institute survey included 803 undergraduates under 25, conducted between September 5 and 14, 2026.