Gallup: Americans, especially Republicans, losing confidence in higher ed

Oct. 10 (UPI) -- More than half of adults in the United States -- particularly Republicans -- do not have much confidence in higher education, new Gallup research shows.

U.S. colleges and universities have become increasingly polarized and politicized, and the new poll reflects that -- with only 48 percent of adults expressing "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in higher education.

Three years ago, the number was 57 percent.

The confidence level has fallen 17 percent among Republicans, Gallup said, and the gap between Republicans and Democrats has grown to 23 points -- nearly twice what it was in 2015.

"The diminished trust in higher education largely results from a decline in confidence among Republicans, particularly those who see colleges as promoting a liberal agenda," Gallup said.

The poll also measures Americans' confidence in major institutions like Congress, the U.S. criminal justice system, the presidency and the military. Confidence in higher education finished fourth behind the military, small business and law enforcement. The question on higher education was added to the poll in 2015.

The survey results came as more attention is being paid to the amount of money U.S. universities spend on security when controversial speakers visit.

The University of California at Berkeley spent nearly $5 million last year, and white nationalist Richard Spencer's appearance at the University of Florida cost $500,000.

"There is a cost, it's unavoidable," said Jeff Allison, director of government and external relations at the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

Betsy DeVos, secretary of education, said too few campuses allow opposing viewpoints.

"Learning is enriched by what each individual student brings to that experience if--and only if--that environment is free and open," she said.

Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., a historically black college, was heavily criticized years ago when it invited conservative commentator Ann Coulter to speak.

"It was a big risk," said Walter Kimbrough, the school's president at the time Coulter visited. "We don't agree on anything. We went to dinner and we argued for two hours and we had a good time."