Depoliticizing the University: Re-Prioritizing Academic Excellence in Accreditation and Faculty Governance

June 11, 2025 1 min read

Robert Manzer
AEI

Excerpt: Whatever their political persuasion, most observers of American higher education now agree that the real or apparent politicization of universities has become a major problem. Accreditors, the member most responsible for academic quality in the higher education regulatory triad, should be at the forefront, helping universities confront this problem.

Accreditation can most effectively address universities’ politicization by strengthening faculty governance. Faculty play a central role in shaping academic life, and their authority over curricula and standards is well established by tradition and regulation.

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