Conservatives Encouraged to Back Trump Administration's Challenge to Elite Institutions

As students nationwide return to campus, Daniel Bring of the Common Sense Society has published an article urging conservatives to embrace the Trump administration's ongoing engagement with what he terms "elite institutions." The commentary, shared on social media by Drew Holden, highlights an ideological alignment between conservative principles and the administration's efforts to reshape areas like higher education.

The Trump administration has consistently articulated a critical stance towards various established institutions, with a particular focus on academia. This approach often centers on concerns regarding free speech, accountability, and the perceived ideological leanings within universities. Policies and rhetoric during the administration's tenure aimed to address these issues, resonating with a conservative base that views these institutions as increasingly out of step with their values.

Key initiatives from the administration included an Executive Order signed in March 2019, designed to protect free inquiry and speech on college campuses. This order mandated that institutions receiving federal research or education funds uphold First Amendment rights for students and faculty. Additionally, the administration pushed for reforms in the accreditation system and sought to improve accountability for taxpayer dollars, aiming to ensure educational quality and value.

The Common Sense Society, where Bring's article appeared, is dedicated to cultivating citizen competency through education and civic engagement. The organization champions principles of liberty, prosperity, and beauty, and has actively engaged in higher education reform by briefing university provosts and board members. Their mission aligns with the conservative critique of current academic environments, advocating for a return to what they consider foundational principles.

Conservatives are encouraged to welcome this "battle" as a means to counter perceived liberal biases, promote academic freedom, and ensure that educational institutions are more responsive to societal needs and taxpayer interests. This perspective frames the administration's actions not as an attack on education itself, but as a necessary intervention to restore balance and traditional values within influential sectors. The ongoing discussion underscores a significant ideological divide concerning the direction and purpose of American higher education.