A chilling new survey exposes the alarming extent of radical ideology infecting America's college campuses, revealing that more than one in five students believe the United States 'deserved' the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
The staggering findings, released by the Buckley Institute, paint a grim picture of a generation seemingly divorced from foundational American values and increasingly aligned with anti-capitalist, anti-Israel, and anti-free speech sentiments.
The survey found that a shocking 22 percent of undergraduates agreed with the statement that "America deserved Sept. 11." This disturbing viewpoint echoes radical left-wing figures like podcaster Hasan Piker, who notoriously declared in 2019 that America "deserved 9/11" and has even claimed U.S. forces committed more terrorism than al Qaeda.
The irony is stark: most of these students were not even born when al Qaeda’s terror unleashed its devastating attacks a quarter-century ago. Yet, their opinions reflect a pervasive narrative on college campuses that routinely demonizes America and undermines its foundational principles.
The radicalization doesn't stop with a rewriting of history. The survey, which polled 803 American undergraduates, uncovered a deep-seated preference for socialism over capitalism.
When asked about their preferred economic system, 42 percent of students chose socialism, with only 28 percent favoring capitalism. A remarkable 47 percent went further, agreeing that "While socialist countries like Cuba and the Soviet Union have not been perfect, they offer a better economic model than capitalist countries like the United States." This marks the highest percentage in favor of socialism since the question was first posed five years ago.
Equally troubling is the shift in geopolitical alliances. The poll revealed a growing hostility towards Israel, with 38 percent of students believing Palestine would be a better ally for the U.S., compared to just 25 percent who chose Israel. This 9-point shift away from the Jewish state in a single year confirms the anecdotal evidence of frequent anti-Israel demonstrations seen on campuses nationwide.
Beyond economic and foreign policy, the survey touched on the ongoing culture wars. A majority of undergraduates—53 percent—oppose transgender athletes competing in women's sports, citing inherent biological differences. This common-sense stance stands in stark contrast to the prevailing "woke" ideology often enforced by university administrations.
However, the poll also highlighted other areas where radical views dominate. Half of the students surveyed believe America is "inextricably linked to white supremacy" and that minorities remain excluded from the American promise of equality, while only 39 percent see progress towards equality.
Moreover, the commitment to free speech—a bedrock American value—appears to be eroding, with 40 percent of students agreeing that "offensive speech" should be criminally prosecuted. The very idea that speech should be criminalized for being "offensive" speaks volumes about the ideological capture of these institutions.
In response to this deepening crisis, conservative groups like the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) are launching initiatives to reclaim America's campuses. YAF's "Freedom Not Socialism" campaign, set to launch for 2027 and beyond, aims to counter the alarming appeal of socialism among young Americans. This vital effort, featuring leading conservative voices like former Governors Glenn Youngkin and Scott Walker, seeks to remind a generation of the unparalleled opportunities and freedoms offered by American capitalism and liberty.
The findings from the Buckley Institute, named after the iconic conservative leader William F. Buckley Jr., serve as a dire warning. They underscore the urgent need for parents, alumni, and patriotic Americans to confront the radical indoctrination taking place in higher education before a generation truly believes America deserves its own destruction and rejects the very principles that have made it the freest and most prosperous nation in history.
