New survey findings show pressure on academic research across red states where “divisive concepts” laws and related curriculum restrictions have proliferated since 2021. Ithaka S+R reported that nearly one-third of faculty polled said they have censored their own research, with many citing anxiety about teaching and study of race and gender topics and constraints on shared governance. The survey of 4,000 faculty members, released this week, found 29% of respondents in states with “divisive concepts” laws altered research agendas and 10% said they were considering leaving the state. Self-censorship appears across disciplines, including education and nursing, and can occur even when research is not explicitly named in the statutes. The report also notes that some federal-grant impact is emerging: 8% said they lost federal grants at some point in 2025, a signal that policy pressures may be translating into reduced research capacity.