Survey Reveals Attitudes Toward Violence and Hate Speech Among Students

A recent survey highlights stark beliefs among undergraduate students regarding the justification of violence to halt what they consider hate speech. The 2026 National Undergraduate Student Survey by the Buckley Institute found that 45% of students believe violence can be justified to stop perceived hate speech. This includes 54% of liberal students, 36% of moderates, and 30% of conservatives.

The survey also discovered that 46% of students support disruptive protests, while 40% think offensive speech should face criminal charges. Among those surveyed, 42% prefer living under a socialist system, while 28% favor capitalism. Disturbingly, 22% believe the United States deserved the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“American colleges and universities for a long time now have really ceased to form students morally and are teaching resentment, teaching grievance politics, teaching violent entitlement.” –Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, President of Cornerstone University

Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, President of Cornerstone University, views these findings as indicative of a “moral formation issue” rather than simply a free speech problem. He warns that students are developing a sense of “violent entitlement.” The Department of Education is being urged to address political violence on campuses.

Moreno-Riaño stated that universities are failing to provide moral education, instead fostering resentment and entitlement. Such attitudes leave graduates ill-prepared for professional environments, leading some employers to question the value of college degrees. He noted concerns about the ideological leanings of many graduates, describing them as being more focused on resentment than reasoning.

He argued this ideology of entitlement and anger rather than constructive engagement is problematic. He emphasized the importance of moral education and the need for colleges to change. He also highlighted that some employers might look to train high school graduates directly, bypassing higher education.

Colleges producing graduates more inclined toward socialism and Marxism, who feel entitled to dismantle rather than build systems, concern employers. Moreno-Riaño suggested that companies might begin to emphasize high school-level preparation and training.

The survey was conducted by Inquire LLC and included 803 full-time undergraduate students under age 25, attending four-year public or private institutions. Respondents participated in the survey online from September 5 to September 14.