Manhattan Institute's "Manhattan Statement" Ignites Debate on Higher Education's Future

New York, NY – The Manhattan Institute, a prominent conservative think tank, has released "The Manhattan Statement on Higher Education," a comprehensive document calling for a radical overhaul of American universities. The statement, published on July 15, 2025, argues that higher education institutions have "discarded their founding principles" and become "laboratories of ideology," prompting a significant public discussion on the role of conservative thought in addressing contemporary societal challenges.

The statement quickly gained traction, with social media user "i/o" remarking, "> I'm not a conservative, but what's expressed in this statement today from the Manhattan Institute is a pretty good example of why conservatism matters." This sentiment highlights the statement's potential to resonate beyond traditional conservative circles, sparking broader dialogue about academic freedom, institutional integrity, and public accountability. The Manhattan Institute asserts that universities have engaged in "a long train of abuses, evasions, and usurpations," moving society toward a "tyranny—one in which ideology determines truth."

The core of the "Manhattan Statement" proposes a new "contract with the universities," urging the President of the United States to mandate reforms tied to federal funding. Key demands include prioritizing truth over ideology, ceasing direct participation in social and political activism, and adhering to "colorblind equality" by abolishing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracies. It also advocates for robust freedom of speech protections and strict penalties for disruptions on campus.

The conservative think tank, known for its focus on domestic policy and urban affairs, argues that the American people provide over $150 billion annually to universities and have a right to demand they return to their original mission of pursuing knowledge and educating citizens. The statement is co-authored by Christopher Rufo of the Manhattan Institute and features endorsements from a diverse group of academics, public figures, and thought leaders, including Jordan Peterson, Virginia Foxx, and Ben Shapiro. This collective support underscores the broad conservative push for accountability and reform within higher education.