Harvard Study Shows Shift in Faculty Political Leanings

A recent survey by Harvard Crimson reveals that most faculty in the arts and sciences still identify as liberal, albeit at a slightly reduced rate compared to previous years.

According to the survey, about 63% of Harvard University faculty described themselves as liberal. This marks a decline from the 70% recorded in 2024. Specifically, in 2025, approximately 29% identified as “very liberal,” while 34% classified themselves as “somewhat liberal.”

Interestingly, a significant proportion of students, over 80%, admitted to being less than candid about their views in order to please their liberal professors.

In terms of faculty self-identification, the percentage of those classifying as “very liberal” has increased gradually. In 2024, 22% identified in that way, with 48% calling themselves “somewhat liberal.” However, the 63% figure for 2025 indicates a noticeable drop from previous years—75% were identified as liberal in 2023, and more than 82% in 2022.

This year, only 1% of faculty members classified themselves as “very conservative,” a first since the survey began in 2024.

The survey, conducted between April 23 and May 12, reached out to about 1,400 faculty members—covering both tenured and non-tenured positions.

In an Op-Ed for the Harvard Crimson, government professor Harvey C. Mansfield suggested a need for a diversity of thought within the Ivy League, advocating for the hiring of more conservative faculty. He argued that such a move would enhance the variety of moral and political perspectives represented, thus elevating academic standards.

When the Crimson posed the question of whether Harvard should actively seek to recruit more conservative faculty, only 8% strongly agreed that this should happen. Meanwhile, 15% agreed, and about 20% were ambivalent, stating they neither strongly disagreed nor agreed.

Efforts to promote a more balanced ideological representation in academic institutions seem increasingly pressing, as acknowledged by editors at major publications who comment on the increasing need for open exchanges of ideas.

While I reached out to Harvard for a statement, I have yet to receive a response.