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As America celebrates Independence Day this month, we are reminded of the enduring ideals that define our nation—freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of knowledge. These principles are not only enshrined in our founding documents; they are also the bedrock of our higher education system. This month, we reflect on the indispensable role that colleges and universities—and the boards that govern them—play in safeguarding these democratic ideals, which have enabled our nation’s excellence.
At AGB, we believe that freedom—especially freedom of discovery, thought, inquiry, and speech—is essential to the academic mission. These freedoms enable our institutions to serve as engines of innovation, ladders of opportunity, and protectors of civic discourse. This month, as we celebrate the enduring promises of liberty, we must also reaffirm our commitment to protecting the foundational freedoms that empower higher education to serve the public good.
Freedom of Speech Is a Pillar of Higher Education
Free speech is not merely a constitutional right—it is a cornerstone of intellectual discovery. It fuels the rigorous exchange of ideas, promotes critical thinking, and ensures that diverse voices are heard on our campuses. In recent years, however, this freedom has come under increasing pressure from both external and internal forces. Polarization, legislative interference, and misinformation threaten to erode the open dialogue essential to academic excellence and innovation.
Boards must take a clear and courageous stand. Just as America’s founders defended liberty in the face of daunting odds, so, too, must today’s trustees uphold the freedoms that define our institutions and our democracy.
Upholding Academic Freedom and Institutional Resilience
Upholding academic freedom means governing boards must lead with integrity, foresight, and a resolute commitment to their mission. This includes:
- Affirming the Values of Higher Education: Boards must champion freedom of expression, academic rigor, viewpoint differences, and the open exchange of ideas.
- Supporting Leadership amid Uncertainty: Trustees should equip presidents and leadership teams with the strategic backing and scenario planning to navigate complex, often politically charged issues.
- Safeguarding Autonomy: As threats to institutional independence grow, boards must resist government overreach and preserve the right of campuses to govern in accordance with their values, goals, and mission.
- Engaging in Principled Advocacy: Trustees should raise their voices in defense of access, fairness, and excellence—without partisanship but with moral clarity.
Advancing Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech—AGB and the Mellon Foundation
AGB is honored to be the recipient of a grant from the Mellon Foundation to lead a national initiative on fiduciary governance in support of free speech and academic freedom.
- AGB is convening governing board members, higher education leaders, scholars, and civic partners to examine how colleges and universities can strengthen civil discourse, protect freedom of expression, and prepare students for engaged democratic citizenship.
- The grant supports in-depth programming, research, and actionable guidance to equip boards with tools for navigating today’s politically charged environment—while upholding the enduring academic values that define higher education.
- With Mellon’s partnership, we are reinforcing the role of higher education as a crucible for open inquiry and civic leadership.
Strategies for Board Leadership in Defense of Freedom
The following strategies can help trustees lead with purpose and patriotism in defense of the values our nation celebrates on July 4:
- Cultivate Civil Discourse: Model respectful engagement and deliberation at the board level and beyond.
- Reaffirm Institutional Mission: Anchor decisions in mission integrity and long-term student success.
- Enhance Trustee and Education: Equip leaders with resources and tools to understand fiduciary duty and navigate challenges to academic freedom with confidence.
- Foster Inclusive Excellence: Promote an environment where all students feel empowered to speak, learn, and grow.
In Case You Missed It – UVA Leadership Crisis and What It Means for Higher Education
Recent events at the University of Virginia have made clear that the governance of higher education is under growing and immediate pressure. Now is the time for boards to reaffirm their commitment to institutional autonomy, strengthen board-presidential alignment, and assess vulnerabilities before a crisis emerges. AGB provides the tools and guidance leaders need to act decisively and protect their institutions. Read more here.
Go Deeper
Explore these AGB resources to support your board’s leadership on freedom of speech, academic freedom, and institutional independence:
- Govern NOW: Secure Higher Education’s Promise
- Blog Post: “Balancing Free Speech and the Inclusive Campus”
- FAQs: Freedom of Speech
- Book: Freedom of Speech and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Campus
- Blog Post: “Developing Board Support for Civic Education and Democracy”
Commemorating Our Freedoms While Also Protecting Them
- This month, let us not only commemorate our freedoms but actively protect them.
- Governing boards are stewards of institutions that shape our nation’s future citizens and leaders.
- There is nothing more patriotic than ensuring that the spirit of liberty and freedom of expression endure on every campus in America.
At AGB, we are proud to stand with you in this work. In the months ahead, we will continue to offer resources, programs, and insights to help boards govern with conviction, resilience, understanding, and a deep commitment to democratic values.
