From moral authority to risk management: How university presidents stopped speaking their minds

Nearly 150 universities and colleges have adopted institutional neutrality pledges since 2023.

By: Austin Sarat, Amherst College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 25, 2026

Words: 1,280

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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By Austin Sarat, Amherst College

Throughout the 20th century, college and university presidents spoke out on everything, from wars to civil rights struggles, with a sense of moral authority attempting to guide the course.

Their language was typically direct and free of jargon.

“Democracy is the best form of government. It is worth dying for,” Robert M. Hutchins, president of the University of Chicago, said during a June 1940 convocation address, …

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