Silencing Science at MIT: MIT Shows that Cancel Culture Causes Self-Censorship at STEM Universities

Polling data from the leading science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) university in the US shows that a significant degree of self-censorship is practiced by the faculty. This self-censorship stems from a fear of retaliation for expressing heterodox viewpoints, with senior administration, academic leadership, and students being the most cited sources of potential retaliation. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s experience suggests that similar self-censorship is likely practiced within STEM disciplines in other universities. MIT’s example also shows that the STEM faculty can respond by uniting to protect freedom of expression and academic freedom on campus.