Public backs EDI in UK universities, finds poll

The British public still supports equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work in UK universities, though support has dipped slightly since last year.

EDI initiatives in higher education include training academics on diversity and free speech, and targeting underrepresented groups for admissions.

The new findings by think tank More in Common contrast with high-profile backlash against EDI in the US, as well as criticism within the UK.

The results suggest most people think such initiatives do not undermine academic excellence, and that universities should maintain or expand their efforts. Despite this, support has waned slightly.

Conducted in collaboration with the University of Oxford and UCL, the survey examined whether public attitudes had shifted since a similar study in March 2024. Overall, 52% support EDI work in universities, businesses, or the government, down from 62% last year.

As this study highlights, there is majority support for […] initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive culture within universities

Tim Soutphommasane, Chief Diversity Officer at Oxford

The results also suggest uneven support across EDI policies. A large majority supported or were neutral about diversity training for academics, but people were less likely to take the same view on scholarships for students from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Interestingly, researchers noted a high number of respondents took a neutral position on their questions. The dip in support from 2024 seemed to derive from a greater number of neutral opinions, rather than negative.

The overall public backing contrasts with high-profile EDI cuts seen in the US. Earlier this year, President Trump threatened to withdraw funding from US universities with diversity programmes – a stance that has been echoed by some UK politicians.

In May, Reform leader Nigel Farage suggested that council staff working on diversity policies should start “seeking alternative careers”.

Despite the slight softening of support, researchers remained optimistic about the future of EDI in UK higher education. Tim Soutphommasane, Chief Diversity Officer at Oxford, said: “As this study highlights, there is majority support for […] initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive culture within universities.”