Recent polling from POLITICO and its research partners reveals growing skepticism across California toward DEI programs in higher education, even in this deeply blue state. The trend signals increased doubt about the fairness and effectiveness of diversity-based hiring and promotion policies.
The field poll took place between July 28 and August 12, 2025, among registered California voters. In that timeframe, nearly 40% of respondents indicated that universities favoring certain groups through DEI programs should lose federal funding.
That nearly four in ten voters oppose DEI-linked funding underscores a backlash—or at least significant reservations—regarding preferential treatment on campus. The results highlight a growing sentiment that these policies may be discriminatory or diverge from merit-based principles.
These findings align with broader, nationwide polling trends. For instance, a July 2025 AP‑NORC poll showed divergence in public beliefs about DEI: while 40% viewed DEI efforts as helpful in addressing bias against Black people, only about one-third saw meaningful impact for women, Hispanic individuals, or Asian Americans—and nearly 30% believed DEI initiatives increase discrimination, including potentially against white people.
Combined, these surveys illustrate a mounting ideological pushback against affirmative action-style policies and DEI initiatives—not just in red states, but also within a traditionally progressive stronghold like California.
