Predicting Radical Progressive Ideology (RPI): Preliminary Findings from an Exploratory Study

Many critics of higher education contend it has become infused with a radical progressive ideology (RPI). Critics of this ideology often focus on “Critical Race Theory” (CRT) and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI). Broadly defined, CRT/DEI are a set of beliefs espousing that U.S. and Western societies are based on “white supremacy” and that social inequalities are due to racially-designed barriers to oppress non-Whites. These views are often accompanied by a deemphasis on classically liberal values such as free speech and due process. Advocates of CRT/DEI demand that society become more egalitarian, just, and inclusive. However, many ideas and tenets of CRT/DEI are debatable and are contested by critics due to the ideas’ questionable empirical support. The purpose of this study was to examine select personality and attitudinal variables that may predict endorsement of CRT/DEI ideas that we call “radical progressive ideology” (RPI). Based on a sample of university students, three variables emerged significantly correlating with RPI: left-wing authoritarianism, anti-White attitudes, and anti-U.S. attitudes. Findings suggest that those embracing RPI may hold prejudicial views of Whites and of the U.S. as a country and may be desirous of punishing those not sharing their radical progressive ideology. Additional implications are discussed.