When arriving on campus, many conservative students rightfully fear their grades will suffer because of unfair liberal professors. Others are concerned about the social consequences if they are identified as conservative, staying silent about their views because of worries about not being able to make friends.

Self-censorship is well documented on campus. For example, a report from the Knight Foundation found that 65% of students said they believed their campus climate “prevents some people from saying things they believe because others might find it offensive.”