The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is reportedly working to undermine newly created civic leadership schools with funding from the Mellon Foundation. This effort focuses on delegitimizing institutions that promote viewpoint diversity and traditional education models.
• Civic Leadership Schools: Over recent years, various universities, supported by Republican state legislatures, have established "Civics Centers" aimed at promoting diverse viewpoints, such as the Hamilton School at the University of Florida.
• AAUP's Strategy: Isaac Kamola, director of the AAUP's Center for the Defense of Academic Freedom (CDAF), expressed a desire to "delegitimize" these centers by conducting research to discredit them. He wants to identify weaknesses and politically challenge their legitimacy.
• Funding from Mellon Foundation: The CDAF was established with a $1.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, which has been accused of funding efforts to counter conservative reforms in higher education.
• CDAF’s Agenda: Internal discussions suggest a focus on "naming and shaming" conservative civic centers and raising the political costs associated with them. Kamola has critiqued how conservative funds, such as those from the Charles Koch Foundation, sustain political agendas while institutions later bear long-term costs.
• Protection of Academic Freedom: While CDAF claims to protect academic freedom, some members have shown support for punitive measures against professors with controversial views, raising concerns about genuine commitment to free speech.
• Future of CDAF: The center's initial funding ends in 2026, but it has applied for renewal. CDAF aims to intensify resistance against perceived threats to its beliefs, suggesting a potential $10 million budget for further actions.
The Mellon Foundation, through its support of the CDAF, appears to be spearheading efforts against civic leadership schools and the broader conservative reform movements in higher education. This situation raises significant questions about the commitment to academic freedom amidst increasing partisan tensions.
https://www.city-journal.org/article/mellon-foundation-funding-civics-schools
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