Cancelation Cuts Scholars’ Output and Citations

A new analysis finds academics targeted by cancelation controversies publish about 20% fewer papers afterward and see a 4% drop in citations to their prior work. The citation decline is driven by close peers, suggesting professional distancing. This quantifies reputational and career penalties even when targets keep their jobs. — It grounds campus speech debates in measurable career harms, showing how activism and institutional responses can chill research and collaboration.