Raleigh, NC—The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal has published its second paper in the “Blueprints for Reform” series, a growing set of policy recommendations for higher education decision makers. The latest paper, “Blueprint for Reform: Institutional Neutrality,” provides a rationale for promoting institutional neutrality and specific recommendations on how to protect it.
Jenna A. Robinson, president of the Martin Center, said, “In today’s contentious political climate, institutional neutrality is essential. A healthy, vibrant marketplace of ideas demands that the university itself remain above the ideological, partisan fray.”
Institutional neutrality, which means that university officials cannot take a political stance on an issue of the day in any official capacity, is especially important at public universities. Nor can trustees or others with fiduciary duties use the resources of the university for political reasons. Compelled speech also violates the principle of institutional neutrality.
The second half of the paper provides specific steps for administrators, university board members, legislators, and other policy makers who want to promote and protect institutional neutrality at higher education institutions. The document also links to model policies and model legislation.
New policy reform recommendations on different topics will be released by the Martin Center biweekly.