Campus Censorship Puts American Soft Power at Risk

"The desire is about more than bricks and mortarboards. Students from other countries have long sought out American values of academic freedom and open discourse. They are excited by ideas and experiences that are as emblematic of the American way of life as tailgating on game day: criticizing the government, discussing LGBTQ+ rights or learning about the Tiananmen Square massacre in China, the Armenian genocide in Turkey or the comfort women victimized by the Imperial Japanese Army."

"But in 2025, those freedoms are at risk of becoming strictly theoretical. Anti-DEI laws in Utah led to Weber State University asking researchers to remove the words "diversity," "equity" and "inclusion" from their slides before presenting at a-wait for it-conference on navigating the complexities of censorship. Conference organizers canceled the event after other presenters pulled out in protest. University leaders in Texas and Florida are refusing to put in writing policies that prohibit faculty from talking about transgender identity or diversity, equity and inclusion in classrooms, sowing fear and confusion across their campuses."

International students often imagine U.S. college life through movies, social media, and branded merchandise, picturing quads, sweatshirts and campus traditions. The U.S. is losing its lead in cutting-edge science and innovation to China, while other countries offer lower-cost degrees and friendlier visa policies. Students value American academic freedom and open discourse, seeking opportunities to debate government, LGBTQ+ rights and historical controversies. New anti-DEI laws and administrative actions have led to censorship, cancelled events, faculty firings and resignations, creating fear and confusion on campuses. Those developments undermine safety, free inquiry and the soft-power advantage that attracts global talent.

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