The student enrollment figure at Indiana’s four-year colleges and universities in 2024 was nearly 172,000, according to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Photo from The Jopwell Collection, Unsplash.

By Terri Dee
Indiana News Service

INDIANAPOLIS — University officials in Indiana are rewriting guidelines for on-campus protests to address a tense political backdrop.

More students are watching and listening to see which institution shares their values.

Last month, a court blocked parts of Indiana University’s “expressive activity” policy, which restricted when protests and speeches could take place.

Data from education consulting firm EAB show 14% of prospective students dismiss schools they deem too conservative, and 12% dismiss schools seen as too liberal.

Pam Royall — head of research, enrollment services, and marketing solutions at EAB — said future students are seeking colleges that reflect their beliefs.

“They’re eliminating certain institutions that they believe are misaligned with their political values,” said Royall, “either because they’re too conservative, or they’re too liberal, they’re in a blue state, or a red state.”

Observers call incoming students the Anxious Generation, because more young people now experience that mental health condition.

Royall said the greater sense of anxiety can also be linked to social media usage, and pressure to make decisions in an environment with competing messages.

Protection from gun violence and sexual assault are other key points students feel are important in their college search.

Of students surveyed, 45% said anxiety or feelings of isolation had a “moderate to extreme impact” on their college search.

Royall added that heightened stress from adjusting to the college experience can be overwhelming.

“Now,” said Royall, “it’s also a matter of support for mental health and wellness that is driving students’ perception of safety and their sense of belonging on campuses.”

Gen Z students also define a safe campus environment as one that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supports free speech.