Government Relations Update: Protecting the Independence of Higher Education Governance
The landmark 1819 Supreme Court decision in Dartmouth College v. Woodward affirmed the autonomy of educational institutions from political interference. Though originally applied to private colleges, this principle evolved into a broader safeguard for institutional independence across all higher education, ensuring academic freedom, innovation, and civic leadership unencumbered by shifting political agendas.
Today, that autonomy is under renewed threat. Efforts to condition public funding on ideological compliance and to exert control over admissions, hiring, and mission-setting decisions are undermining the core responsibilities of governing boards.
In response, institutions are taking a stand. Harvard University recently filed a suit against the federal government over a $2.2 billion research funding freeze, citing violations of the First Amendment and due process. More broadly, leaders from top universities are joining together to defend academic independence.
The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) has issued a national call to action, encouraging institutions to sign a community letter and adopt a resolution reaffirming their commitment to independent governance. Institutional autonomy has long empowered American higher education to lead the world in research, workforce development, and economic innovation. In alignment with this call, the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees has signed the community letter and intends to adopt a formal resolution soon, underscoring its steadfast commitment to institutional autonomy and board independence. This commitment is not only foundational to effective governance it is essential to preserving the integrity, excellence, and public mission of higher education in an increasingly complex and politicized landscape.
To read the letter, visit: Sign On Letter: Institutional Autonomy
To contact your local government official, visit: Your elected officials | USAGov
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications