Prominent Conservative Scholar Robert P. George Affirms Non-Negotiable Human Dignity, Rejects White Supremacy in Movement

Princeton, NJ – Robert P. George, a distinguished conservative legal scholar and McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, has issued a forceful statement reiterating the foundational principle of inherent and equal human dignity, asserting that ideologies such as white supremacy and antisemitism have no place within the conservative movement. The statement, shared on social media, underscores George's long-standing philosophical commitment to natural law and moral principles.

In his recent post, George articulated his core belief: > "The profound, inherent, and equal dignity of each and every member of the human family" is the "foundational principle of all sound morality." He emphasized that "Any form of 'conservatism' (or 'liberalism') that denies it in principle or transgresses it in practice is alien to me." This principle, deeply rooted in his natural law philosophy, serves as the bedrock for his ethical and political views.

George directly addressed the contentious "no enemies to the right" adage prevalent in some conservative circles. He stated, > "I will not—I cannot—accept the idea that we have 'no enemies to the right.' The white supremacists, the antisemites, the eugenicists, the bigots, must not be welcomed into our movement or treated as normal or acceptable." He clarified that this stance is not a call for "cancelation" but a reminder of conservatism's non-negotiable core principles.

A renowned figure in social conservative thought, Professor George is known for his consistent advocacy for human dignity, which he applies across various issues, including his opposition to abortion and euthanasia. His philosophical framework posits that human beings possess a rational nature, endowing them with intrinsic value from conception, a view he has extensively detailed in his writings and lectures.

The scholar further distinguished between defending free speech rights for all, including those with whom he profoundly disagrees, and legitimizing their ideologies. He stated that "defending their rights does not mean allying with them, welcoming them into our movement, or treating them as representing legitimate forms of conservatism." George urged conservatives to defend the "ancient faith" of their movement against those who seek to undermine its commitment to inherent human dignity.