Full Breakdown
Shift in Campus Culture: Students Rejecting 'Woke' Politics
2/13/2026, 6:59:22 AM
Emerging Trends in Student Attitudes
Eitan Hersh, a professor at Tufts University, has observed a notable shift among the latest generation of college students, who are increasingly rejecting what he describes as "performative politics." In a recent op-ed for the Boston Globe, Hersh argues that this new "microgeneration" of undergraduates is moving away from the peak of campus "wokeness," seeking instead serious debate and open discourse in academic settings. He asserts that these students find the previous era of ideological grandstanding and language policing to be "cringy and embarrassing."
The Call for Free Speech and Viewpoint Diversity
Hersh emphasizes that this shift presents a significant opportunity to restore free speech and viewpoint diversity on college campuses. He notes that many of today's students desire to engage in mature discussions and hold their own in challenging conversations. Hersh reflects on the changing dynamics of campus culture, suggesting that as each class progresses, the prevailing attitudes evolve. He cites the recent Israel-Hamas protests as an example, highlighting that many current students were not present during these events, which have sparked significant activism and debate across campuses.
Public Perception of Higher Education
The backdrop of Hersh's observations is a broader decline in public confidence in higher education. A September 2023 Gallup poll indicated that only 35 percent of Americans view a college education as "very important," a decrease from previous years. This decline may reflect growing concerns about the ideological climate within educational institutions.
Institutional Responses and Initiatives
In response to these changing attitudes, universities are reportedly taking steps to address concerns about viewpoint diversity. Hersh mentions that some institutions are hiring new faculty and revising policies to foster a more inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. He has been invited to lead initiatives through the Center for Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education, aiming to encourage students to play an active role in shaping campus culture.
Criticism of Past Campus Dynamics
Hersh recalls instances from previous years where classroom discussions were often interrupted by students objecting to terminology, such as the use of "Latino" instead of "Latinx." He suggests that such interruptions would now elicit "more eye rolls than snaps" from students, indicating a shift in tolerance for performative political behavior.
Empowering Students for Change
Hersh concludes by urging students to leverage their influence within their school communities, asserting that they possess "tremendous power" to guide their institutions toward a more open and respectful discourse. This call to action reflects a growing sentiment among students who wish to redefine the narrative surrounding campus engagement and political expression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In this emerging microgeneration, our brightest students do not want to be the illiberal, woke caricature. It’s cringy and embarrassing,” — Eitan Hersh, Tufts University Professor
- “They want to be smart, mature, and able to hold their own in difficult conversations,” — Eitan Hersh, Tufts University Professor
- “That means we need to encourage today’s more open-minded students to help set the culture right: To be defenders of the truth and operate with decorum,” — Eitan Hersh, Tufts University Professor
This evolving landscape of student attitudes towards campus culture signifies a potential shift in how political discourse is approached in higher education, with implications for future generations of students.
