Blueprints for Reform
The university system in the United States has accomplished a great deal of good, but it has strayed from its chief goals of scholarly inquiry and responsible teaching, especially in … Continue reading “Blueprints for Reform”
Topic: Publications
Explore the Martin Center’s publications to deepen your understanding of the critical issues in higher education. Our experts offer policy briefs, model legislation, and in-depth research that inform decision-making and drive positive change.
Our work focuses on responsible governance, viewpoint diversity, academic quality, cost-effective education solutions, and innovative market-based reforms.
Model Legislation: Higher-Education Governance Transparency Act
The Higher Education Governance Transparency Act can help restore transparency and accountability to university governance. Public university governing boards exist to serve the people of their states. It should, therefore, … Continue reading “Model Legislation: Higher-Education Governance Transparency Act”
Preserving the Canon: Great Books Programs at America’s Colleges and Universities
Historically, higher learning was based on the study of the Great Works of thought of the Western canon. These works span a broad range of time, from the Classical period, … Continue reading “Preserving the Canon: Great Books Programs at America’s Colleges and Universities”
Student Loan Debt and Earnings at North Carolina Universities
From Student Loan Debt and Earnings at North Carolina Universities: Numerous degree programs throughout the UNC System equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills for meaningful careers that generate … Continue reading “Student Loan Debt and Earnings at North Carolina Universities”
Measuring Discrimination: Racial Preferences at Public Flagship Institutions
From the Executive Summary of Measuring Discrimination Racial Preferences at Public Flagship Institutions: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects Americans from discrimination based on race, color, … Continue reading “Measuring Discrimination: Racial Preferences at Public Flagship Institutions”
Model System Policy: Minimum Admission Requirements
Academic standards do not need to be identical for every institution in the country, and they shouldn’t be. But all baccalaureate institutions should require that applicants at least meet SAT … Continue reading “Model System Policy: Minimum Admission Requirements”
Breaking Away From Leviathan: Colleges Can Thrive Without Federal Funding
Can an academic institution be truly free if it relies on government funding? Perhaps in some perfect world, but today in the U.S., however, unencumbered generosity is not part of … Continue reading “Breaking Away From Leviathan: Colleges Can Thrive Without Federal Funding”
Free Speech in Peril at West Virginia Colleges
From the introduction of Free Speech at West Virginia Colleges and Universities: Peril and Promise A campus-climate survey published by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) in 2021—the … Continue reading “Free Speech in Peril at West Virginia Colleges”
Rules for Academic Reformers
From the executive summary of Rules for Academic Reformers: For decades, observant Americans have looked upon our institutions of higher learning with dismay. The reasons for their anxiety varied; some … Continue reading “Rules for Academic Reformers”
Model Legislation: End Political Litmus Tests in Education Act
The “End Political Litmus Tests in Education Act” can help preserve academic freedom and freedom of speech and conscience at public schools, colleges, and universities. Traditionally, faculty candidates at public … Continue reading “Model Legislation: End Political Litmus Tests in Education Act”