Survey Shows 30.7% of University of Michigan Professors Censored

A recent survey conducted by the Faculty Senate Protections for Faculty Working Group indicates that 30.7% of professors at the University of Michigan have experienced censorship or felt compelled to self-censor in their teaching. This anonymous survey, which garnered 738 responses, aimed to assess the current atmosphere on campus and identify areas where support for faculty may be enhanced.

The survey results, which remain under review by the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, reveal significant insights into the pressures faced by faculty members. According to Derek Peterson, Chair of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA), 10.9% of respondents felt pressure to censor their teaching without acting on it, while 27.6% reported feeling pressure to censor their research. Notably, 17% of those surveyed admitted to censoring their research in response to this pressure.

Despite the university’s administration asserting that there are no restrictions on what professors can say in the classroom, many faculty members report feeling an unwelcome pressure from external critics. Peterson highlighted instances where professors have faced backlash for discussing sensitive topics. He noted that some educators have been targeted online for expressing opinions on political issues, including the military actions of Israel and discussions surrounding race and gender.

“We have to provoke our students in order to get people to think,” Peterson stated. “Our job is not to indoctrinate; it’s to educate.” He emphasized that the academic environment should encourage open dialogue, even if it leads to discomfort.

The issue of censorship is particularly pertinent for students as well. Sadie Malik, a freshman and membership chair of the Human Rights Party, expressed concern that academic freedom has diminished since the administration of former President Donald Trump. “Our university should stand strong against these pressures and support professors in expressing their academic opinions openly,” Malik stated.

Malik described how students advocating for pro-Palestinian initiatives have faced harassment from right-wing organizations like Turning Point USA, which tracks and targets professors it deems as promoting leftist ideologies. “If organizations like Canary Mission or Turning Point USA determine that you’re teaching perspectives that conflict with their views, they will advocate for your harassment,” she said.

The recent survey is part of a broader initiative to bolster faculty freedom of expression. Jonathan Kuuskoski, leading the Faculty Senate’s Protections for Faculty Working Group, reported that faculty across the United States have increasingly encountered harassment and intimidation regarding their research and personal identities. This survey serves as a follow-up to an initial faculty censorship survey issued in 2025, aiming to track shifts in the academic climate over the year.

Kuuskoski emphasized the importance of faculty feeling supported within the university structure. “All of the conversations we’ve had with the Provost have been very positive and productive. We want to help faculty know that there’s a structure throughout the University that’s based on support and trust,” he remarked.

As part of this initiative, the Faculty Senate plans to host events focusing on media engagement and managing Freedom of Information Act requests. Additionally, they will develop recommendations to enhance faculty protections based on the survey results and collaboration with the Office of the Provost.

Peterson warned of the broader implications of educational censorship in the U.S., particularly in states like Florida and Texas. He noted that the scrutiny faced by educators has intensified significantly. “We’re under scrutiny in a way that was not true in a former time,” he said. “The consequences of falling afoul of the conservative outrage machine are more profound than they previously have been.”

This survey highlights the pressing need for dialogue around academic freedom and the conditions under which educators operate. The findings may serve as a catalyst for discussions on how universities can foster an environment of open inquiry and protect faculty from undue pressures.