Why I Support Freedom Conservatism’s Principles. The ideas contained therein can inform higher-education reform.

James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal ^ | January 18, 2024 | Jenna A. Robinson

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Last year, I signed Freedom Conservatism’s “Statement of Principles,” a call to “apply the timeless principles of liberty to the challenges of the 21st century.” I did so primarily because I believe that individual liberty is essential to human flourishing, but also because I believe these principles can inform my work at the Martin Center to renew and fulfill the promise of higher education—in North Carolina and beyond.

A commitment to liberty in higher education means a commitment to freedom of expression and conscience, academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, and a curriculum that prepares students to be future guardians of the liberties and institutions that have shaped our country. I also believe in the pursuit of happiness. Universities should prepare students to thrive, not just in their chosen careers but also as citizens and human beings, cultivating knowledge and wisdom as well as useful skills.

I believe that America’s free-enterprise system is the foundation of our prosperity. Whenever possible, higher education should be subject to market forces. Innovation and competition should be fostered as a means to ensure that higher education provides value to students, parents, and society. I’m committed to reducing higher-education costs for students, parents, and taxpayers—an essential step toward “restor[ing] America’s fiscal sustainability, ensuring that future generations inherit a more prosperous and secure nation than the one we now inhabit.”