A new playbook for controlling universities
Preview:
A coordinated strategy has emerged among conservative policymakers and political actors to reshape American universities through legislative mandates, funding threats, trustee appointments, and executive pressure rather than through traditional academic governance channels. The playbook draws on successful tactics used in states like Florida and Texas, where governors and legislatures have moved aggressively to eliminate DEI programs, restructure faculty hiring, and install politically aligned leadership at public institutions. These efforts represent a fundamental challenge to the post-World War II model of university autonomy, where institutions largely governed themselves in exchange for producing research and educated citizens in the public interest.
Originally published: August 9, 2026
Author: David Wippman
Position: President Emeritus
Institution: Hamilton College
Published by: The Hill