How to Prevent University Trustee Overreach
A new report argues the while increasing politicization of university governing boards has contributed to the erosion of academic freedom in recent years, boards also have the potential to adopt frameworks focused on protecting institutional autonomy.
“Decisions that were once guided by academic standards and institutional autonomy have become arenas for political influence and ideological control. The consequences have been profound,” read the report from the Center for American Progress that published Monday. “Faculty face professional uncertainty, students encounter a narrow and less inclusive learning experience and the broader public sees public universities being reshaped in the image of political ideology rather than academic mission.”
The report cites numerous examples of how politicized university boards–including some from Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia and Indiana—have influenced curriculum, research and post-tenure review processes in recent years. It describes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointment of six new trustees to the board of New College of Florida in 2023 as “a case study in the political takeover of a college campus.” Those changes led to the swift closure of some of the public liberal arts college’s academic programs, several tenure denials and moves to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
While “boards are necessary for upholding institutions’ missions, selecting and evaluating college presidents, providing legal and risk mitigation, and building long-term financial sustainability,” the report’s recommends several ways to prevent board overreach. They include:
- Limit board authority in matters of teaching and research and clarify the decision-making authority of faculty, the faculty senate, or academic departments on these issues;
- Eliminate post-tenure review processes that empower boards to remove faculty for political reasons;
- Depoliticize the appointment process by forming external, independent bodies to oversee board appointments and removals. (Currently, most board members that oversee public institutions are political appointees selected by legislators or governors.);
- Ensure appointment of board members who have a proven understanding of higher education principles, academic freedom, and institutional missions. (The report noted that only about 12 percent of college and university have professional experience in higher education.);
- Establish term limits, staggered terms and limit consecutive appointments;
- Mandate faculty representation on boards, with representatives elected or nominated by faculty senates to ensure authentic academic input;
- Increase transparency and accountability, and create clear metrics for success;
- Strengthen federal guardrails by requiring academic freedom as a standard for the federal recognition of accreditors and prioritizing more robust enforcement.
