The recent poll conducted by AAPI Data highlights the stark contrast in views regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education between younger and older Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults. The survey reveals that a significant majority of young individuals oppose cutting federal funding for DEI programs and deporting students participating in campus protests. In contrast, older generations exhibit more divided opinions on these issues.
About 9 in 10 AAPI adults under the age of 30 expressed that they "somewhat" or "strongly" oppose cuts to federal funding for colleges and universities with DEI initiatives. The same sentiment applies to their views on the deportation of foreign students involved in protests on campuses. However, the opposition among AAPI adults aged 60 and older is less pronounced, with roughly half opposing such actions, while around 30% support them and 20% maintain a neutral stance.
The survey underscores the high value placed on education across all age groups within the AAPI community, with most adults recognizing a college degree as "essential" or "important" for landing quality jobs capable of supporting families. This acknowledgment runs parallel to the ongoing national conversation about the administration's threats to reduce federal funding for institutions implementing DEI initiatives, notably during the previous Trump administration which prompted several universities to reconsider their support frameworks for students of color.
The Biden administration, following the Trump administration's actions, has also faced scrutiny for significantly reducing federal research grants to universities that it perceives as falling short in addressing antisemitism, especially amid protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This administration has additionally taken steps to deport foreign students involved in demonstrations, further amplifying concerns within educational environments.
As participants, individuals like Iris Chiou, a 28-year-old Taiwanese American medical student from Madison, Illinois, articulate fears regarding the potential deportation of foreign students and the chilling effect on academic freedom. Chiou states that the fear of deportation can deter students from engaging in discussions about pressing issues affecting them.
The poll further indicates that around 70% of AAPI adults under 30 express “extreme” or “very” high concerns about free speech limitations on campuses and governmental cuts to university research funding. In contrast, only about half of AAPI adults aged 60 and older share these concerns.
Notably, opinions among older adults vary, with individuals like Tarun Puri, a 59-year-old from Clearwater, Florida, endorsing significant consequences for students protesting on campuses. He emphasizes that international students should respect the laws of their host country, framing participation in protests as counterproductive to their academic pursuits.
The generational divide in opinions regarding university policies and protests may stem from differing educational experiences, as younger AAPI adults are more likely to have attended U.S. colleges. In contrast, those aged 60 and older may have attended institutions in Asia, reflecting different educational systems and cultural expectations surrounding activism.
This ongoing exploration of views within the AAPI community aims to provide representation in discussions about higher education policies—an area often overlooked in broader dialogue due to unique cultural and linguistic challenges. The survey sample comprised 1,094 U.S. adults identified as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, conducted from April 7-14, 2025, providing a comprehensive view of the current sentiments among this demographic.
