Poll of the Week Archive

Note: In order to view poll results you need to first vote in that poll.

May 10, 2012
During the summer months, what will be your primary activity?

May 3, 2012

April 26, 2012
Is the African American National Spelling Bee a good idea? (See JBHE article here.)

While the evidence has not all been presented, what do you view as the outcome of the prosecution of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin case?








April 19, 2012

April 12, 2012
What statement best reflects your view on Minister Louis Farrakhan’s speaking tour of HBCUs?






If you had to choose one of the people below to give the commencement address at your college or university this year, who would you choose?








April 5, 2012

March 29, 2012
Who do you think the GOP presidential nominee will pick for a running mate?








What do you think will be the outcome of the Supreme Court’s review of the healthcare law?






March 22, 2012

March 15, 2012
In a potential November matchup between President Obama and Mitt Romney, what is your best guess concerning the outcome of the election.

Who do you now believe will oppose President Obama in the November election?








March 8, 2012

March 1, 2012
What would you recommend as the best way for students to spend Spring Break?

With the end of Black History Month, which statement best reflects your view of this year’s events on your campus?








February 23, 2012

February 16, 2012
Now that the Supreme Court has decided to revisit the issue of affirmative action in higher education, what statement best reflects your view?

The President’s budget calls for a 1.5 percent increase in government funding for basic scientific research. Which statement best describes your view?








February 9, 2012

February 2, 2012
What is your perception of the number of campus events associated with Black History Month at your college or university?
More events than in the past
About the same as in the past
Less events than in the past

Do you agree with President Obama’s proposals to reduce federal funding for colleges and universities that raise tuition or that fail to make progress in improving their graduation rates?
Yes
No

January 26, 2012

January 19, 2012
After Newt Gingirch’s win in the South Carolina GOP presidential primary, who do you think will be the Republican nominee to oppose President Obama?
New Gingrich
Mitt Romney
Someone else

In the week in which we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr., after a half century, what percentage of his “Dream” for America has come true?
25% or less
50%
75%
90% or more

January 12, 2012

January 5, 2012
Regarding hazing at HBCUs, which statement best reflects your view:
HBCUs need to take much stronger steps to curb hazing.
Most hazing rituals at HBCUs are harmless but curbs should be placed on excessive hazing.
HBCUs are being unfairly singled out.
The media is blowing it all out of proportion.

After nearly three years of the Obama presidency, how do you rate the president’s overall performance?
Excellent
Good
So-so
Poor

December 29, 2011

December 22, 2011
Do you believe GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul is a racist?
Yes
No

Who do you predict stands the best chance to win the upcoming GOP Iowa Caucuses?
Mitt Romney
Newt Gingrich
Ron Paul
Michele Bachmann
Rick Perry

December 15, 2011

December 8, 2011
When the smoke clears from the current federal budget negotiations, do you think the Pell Grant program for low-income college students will face significant cuts?
Yes
No

Should the University of South Carolina Beaufort allow an African American student to display the Confederate battle flag in his dormitory room window?
Yes
No

December 1, 2011

November 24, 2011
Which statement best describes your view on the failure of the super committee to come up with a bipartisan budget plan?
Republicans’ intransigence on tax increases doomed the effort
Democrats needed to agree to more austerity measures
President Obama should have taken a more active role
This Congress can’t do anything right

Which activity will take up the most of your time during the Thanksgiving break?
Watching football
Catching up on work
Eating
Relaxing with friends and family
Traveling

November 17, 2011

November 10, 2011
While many U.S. government documents continue to use the lower case, a reader asked us to always use a capital letter when referring to Black people. Which statement best reflects your view?
Always use a capital “B.”
Use a lower case “b.”
I have no preference.
Never refer to people of African descent as either black or Black.

Do you agree with the guilty verdict in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray in the Michael Jackson case?
Yes
No

November 3, 2011

October 27, 2011
Are sexual harassment allegations against Herman Cain from 20 years ago valid campaign issues today?
Yes
No

Do you think the NCAA should require colleges and universities to interview minority candidates for football head coaching positions, as is the case in the National Football League?
Yes
No

October 20, 2011

October 13, 2011
Which statement best describes your view of whether President Obama should replace Vice President Joe Biden on the 2012 Democratic Party ticket?
Yes, there are a number of better choices.
Yes, but only if Hillary Clinton is the replacement.
Too soon to decide.
Biden should remain on the ticket.

Which statement best represents your view of the Occupy Wall Street protesters?
Strongly support their efforts.
Support some of what they are saying.
They aren’t focusing on the right issues.
They should go home.

October 6, 2011

September 29, 2011
Which statement best describes your opinion of Herman Cain, the GOP candidate for president?
He’s my man for president.
Favorable, but I prefer President Obama.
Don’t know enough about him.
Don’t like him.

Recently, U.S. Representative Andre Carson and actor Morgan Freeman have both called the Tea Party movement racist. Do you agree?
Yes
No

September 22, 2011

September 15, 2011
With the President’s approval rating in most national polls below 40 percent, how do you rate his prospects for reelection?
A sure shot
More likely than not
50/50
He’s in trouble
Little or no chance

Do you think Congress will pass President Obama’s new jobs legislation?
Yes
No
Some of it

September 8, 2011

September 1, 2011
In your opinion, which president has done the most to advance racial equality in the United States?
Barack Obama
Abraham Lincoln
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Lyndon B. Johnson
Someone else

As we begin the new academic year, do you have the impression that a significant number of African-American students did not return to your campus due to higher costs and reduced financial aid?
YES
NO

August 25, 2011

August 18, 2011
In a recent interview with Spiegel, Rev. Jesse Jackson stated: “Now the Republicans feel they can keep pushing and Obama will keep giving. They have not seen a stiff resistance on his part. The American people on the ground need a clearer, stronger, Lyndon B. Johnson-type voice from their president.” How do you feel about Rev. Jackson’s statement?
He is right on the mark.
I agree somewhat with what he says.
He is wrong.

With youth unemployment very high, cutbacks in government services, reductions in student loan programs, and, in some cities, fragile community/ police relationships, what are the chances that riots such as those which occurred in England recently, will happen in a major American city in the near future?
Extremely likely.
A distinct possibility.
50/50.
Somewhat unlikely.
Very doubtful.

August 11, 2011

August 4, 2011
In your opinion, who will be the GOP nominee for president in 2012?
Sarah Palin
Mitt Romney
Tim Pawlenty
Michelle Bachman
Rick Perry
Someone else

Which of the following statement best describes your view on President Obama’s handling of the debt ceiling issue.
His was the voice of reason in a sea of insanity.
He did all he could considering Congress had tied his hands.
He should have played a more active role.
His leadership was lacking.

July 28, 2011

July 21, 2011
A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that the ban on race-sensitive admissions at state universities in Michigan, which was approved by voters, was unconstitutional. In your view what will be the eventual outcome of the legal proceedings?
Ruling will be allowed to stand by the full Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Ruling will be overturned by the full Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Ruling will be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ruling will be overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Do you believe President Obama and congressional leaders will come to an agreement by August 2 to avoid a default on U.S. debt payments?
YES
NO

July 14, 2011

July 7, 2011
The unemployment rate in June for African Americans was 16.2 percent, exactly double the rate for whites. What is your prediction for the immediate trend in black unemployment?
It will move higher before it gets better.
It will hover around the same rate.
Improvement is coming soon.

Last week a federal appeals court struck down Michigan’s voter-approved ban on race-sensitive admissions at state universities. In your opinion, did the federal court overstep its authority?
YES
NO

June 30, 2011

June 23, 2011
Do you believe accrediting agencies treat historically black colleges and universities unfairly?
YES
NO

At this early stage, Mitt Romney appears to be the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination. If there is a Romney/Obama matchup, what do you predict will be the outcome?
Obama in a landslide
Obama in a nail-biter
Romney in a nail-biter
Romney in a landslide

June 16, 2011

June 9, 2011
How do you rate President Obama’s efforts to revitalize the American economy?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor

Do you think honorary degrees bestowed on African Americans by predominantly white universities are primarily motivated by guilt resulting from these universities’ shortcomings in providing opportunities for African-American students and faculty?
YES
NO

June 2, 2011

May 26, 2011
Princeton professor Cornel West has created a stir with comments about President Obama, including saying he is “a black mascot of Wall Street oligarchs and a black puppet of corporate plutocrats.” Of the following statements, which one best expresses your feelings on the matter?
Professor West has raised some important issues that should be discussed.
Professor West is wrong but has the right to say what he believes.
Professor West was wrong to criticize the President.

What are your plans for the summer?
Research
Work
Taking it easy

May 19, 2011

May 12, 2011
A recent op-ed piece in The Wall Street Journal called for banning fraternities on college campuses due to the large number of sexual assault cases involving fraternity members. Do you agree that fraternities should be banned?
YES
NO

If you had a choice between the following for a commencement speaker, who would you choose?
Michelle Obama
Toni Morrison
Oprah Winfrey
Rhianna

May 5, 2011

April 28, 2011
Donald Trump is calling on President Obama to release his college transcripts, alleging that he was not qualified to be admitted to Harvard Law School. Should the president release the information?
YES
NO

A half-century ago the Freedom Riders traveled across the South to ensure that African Americans would have the same rights as others. Is the nation doing enough to commemorate the historic events of a half-century ago?
YES
NO

April 21, 2011

April 14, 2011
How do you regard President Obama’s debt reduction plan?
Favorably
Some good points, some bad
Unfavorably

The United Negro College Fund supports 39 member institutions which are privately owned historically black colleges and universities. A generation from now, how many of these private HBCUs do you predict will remain as independent institutions?
39
More than 35
More than 30
Less than 30

April 7, 2011

March 31, 2011
Rutgers University reportedly will pay Toni Morrison $30,000 to speak at its spring commencement. Do you think that colleges and universities should pay such a sum to a commencement speaker?
YES
NO

Do you support President Obama’s decision to take military action in Libya?
YES
NO

March 24, 2011

March 17, 2011
Which statement best describes the situation on your campus over the past two years?
Race relations have improved.
There has been no change in the racial climate.
Race relations have deteriorated.

Blacks are 5 percent of the faculty at U.S. colleges and universities. What do you think is the main reason for the shortage?
Better employment opportunities outside academia
Lack of funds to pursue a qualifying doctorate
Racial and/or gender discrimination
All of the above

March 10, 2011

March 3, 2011
If they were alive today, who would you most want to have as a guest lecturer on your campus?
Abraham Lincoln
Malcolm X
Sojourner Truth
Martin Luther King Jr.

Who do you think would be the toughest opponent for Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election?
Sarah Palin
Donald Trump
Mike Huckabee
Mitt Romney
Someone else

February 24, 2011

February 17, 2011
Critics have charged that Black History Month tends to “ghettoize” black scholarship into one month per year while black accomplishments are ignored for the remainder of the year. Do you believe Black History Month continues to serve a useful purpose?
YES
NO

Do you think racial discrimination is a major factor in explaining the lower percentage of black doctoral candidates who receive teaching and research assistantships?
YES
NO

February 10, 2011

February 3, 2011
The NAACP is calling for the CIAA, an athletic association of 13 historically black colleges and universities, to move its basketball tournament from Charlotte, North Carolina. Should the tournament be moved?
YES
NO

Do you think that historically black colleges and universities facing serious enrollment or financial problems should consider merging with predominantly white educational institutions?
Yes
Only if they otherwise would close
Never

January 27, 2011

January 20, 2011
Do you think the nation’s historically black colleges and universities should prohibit students, faculty, and staff from carrying guns on campus?
YES
NO

When black faculty come up for tenure at predominantly white colleges and universities, on average, what level of racial discrimination do they continue to face?
Very High
Moderate
Slight
None at all

January 13, 2011

January 6, 2011
Do you agree with the decision to remove all mentions of the word nigger from the new edition of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
YES
NO

As we begin the new year, how optimistic are you for the prospect of gains for African Americans in higher education during the coming year?
Very optimistic
Guarded optimism
Not optimistic

December 30, 2010

December 23, 2010
According to a U.S. Commission on Civil Rights study, reported in this issue of JBHE, black students admitted to science degree programs at selective, predominantly white universities under race-sensitive admissions programs face an “academic mismatch” that leads many of them to fail. Do you agree?
YES
NO

How important is it for African-American college students to spend a semester abroad?
Very important
Important
Somewhat important
Not important

December 16, 2010

December 9, 2010
In the statistic of the week, JBHE shows that white children are more than twice as likely as black children to be living in married-couple families. How big a factor is this statistic in explaining the educational gap between black and white children?
The most important factor
Very important
Significant, but other factors are more important
Not that important

Should the Bush era tax cuts be extended for people at all income levels?
YES
NO

December 2, 2010

November 25, 2010
President Obama has called on the United States to have the highest percentage of college graduates in the world by the year 2020. Do you think this is a realistic goal?
YES
NO

A recent survey showed that a former president of private historically black university received $1.1 million in compensation during the 2008-09 academic year. Do you feel this is excessive compensation?
YES
NO

November 18, 2010

November 11, 2010
Considering the loss of more than 60 Democratics seats in the House of Representatives, do you believe Nancy Pelosi should have given up her leadership position?
YES
NO

This summer a JBHE poll found that 72 percent of readers believed Barack Obama would be reelected president in 2012. Given that in last week’s midterm elections 60 percent of white voters cast their ballot for the GOP, do you now believe President Obama will be reelected in 2012?
YES
NO

November 4, 2010

October 28, 2010
Given the poor record of Oxford University in admitting black students (see story in this issue), do you think a certain number of spaces at the educational institution should be set aside and reserved for black students?
YES
NO

This coming Tuesday, do you predict that voters in Arizona will approve a ballot initiative that bans race-sensitive admissions in higher education?
YES
NO

October 21, 2010

October 14, 2010
What is your prediction for the midterm elections?
Democrats hold the House and Senate
GOP wins the House but not the Senate
GOP wins the Senate but not the House
GOP controls both the House and Senate

Do you think a GOP takeover of the House and/or Senate would harm the higher educational opportunities of African Americans?
YES
NO

October 7, 2010

September 30, 2010
Should the Department of Education impose new regulations that would eliminate federal student aid for some for-profit colleges and technical schools?
YES
NO

The median black family income in the United States is 60 percent of the median white family income. When do you think racial parity will prevail?
In 25 years
In 50 years
More than 100 years
Never

September 23, 2010

September 16, 2010
Did you participate in any activities associated with national Historically Black College and University Week?
YES
NO

Do you think the problem of violent hazing is more prevalent among black fraternities and sororities on college campuses than it is among white Greek organizations?
YES
NO

September 9, 2010

September 2, 2010
Where will the black unemployment rate be six months from now?
Higher
Lower
About the same

Do you believe African-American members of Congress are being unfairly singled out for ethics violations?
YES
NO

August 26, 2010

August 19, 2010
Do you think President Obama will be reelected in 2012?
YES
NO

How long should colleges and universities continue to use race-sensitive admissions?
No longer.
For 10 more years
For 25 more years
For as long as it takes for blacks to achieve parity.