We support democratic renewal by improving how higher education prepares students for active citizenship. We partner with nonpartisan networks, researchers, and educators to scale innovative civic learning approaches, improve political and media literacy, foster emerging civic leadership, and ensure the freedom to learn. We want to strengthen democracy systems, build more trust between colleges and communities, and improve students’ sense of purpose in their college journeys.
Societies thrive when higher education prepares people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy. By supporting organizations such as Campus Compact, the American Association of Colleges & Universities, and the PERIL Lab at American University’s School of Public Affairs, we work with people who want to shape a future where higher education builds economic prosperity and strengthens society. Supporting democracy is a critical function of higher learning.
The article details how the U.S. government’s Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is being deployed to pressure universities by targeting equity in education programs, influencing hiring, and threatening funding cuts. Read → The Washington Post
Campus protests arose in response to massive cuts in federal funding, demands to stifle protests, visa revocations, and other federal measures that critics see as attempts to control academia and student activism. Read → AP News
A federal judge ruled that the administration’s suspension of over $500 million in research grants — tied to the university’s handling of protests — was “arbitrary and capricious.” Critics say suspending funding based on political judgments threatens autonomy and the independence of university research. Read → Reuters
In a public letter, U.S. senators charged that the administration is weaponizing antisemitism as a pretext for broader crackdowns on higher education—targeting institutions that dissent politically rather than truly addressing hate. Read → The Guardian
This piece argues explicitly that attacks on universities—over curriculum, funding, and freedom of expression—are part of a coordinated project to shift who holds institutional power over knowledge, thus undermining democratic foundations. Read → New America
A detailed analysis showing how the public targeting of Harvard via funding freezes and federal probes is less about the institution itself and more about signaling control over the norms and autonomy of academia broadly. Read → Inside Higher Ed
This commentary outlines how the White House has pressed universities to dismantle equity programs, cut research inconsistent with its political priorities, and curtail academic discretion—suggesting that litigation may be one of the few defenses left. Read → The Nation
The article frames anti-university moves not just as education policy, but as part of a broader anti-institutional and anti-democratic push, aiming to weaken independent centers of power and dissent.
Read → The New Republic
Jamie Merisotis argues that higher education is democracy’s safeguard against authoritarianism. By cultivating critical thinking, tolerance, and civic participation, colleges prepare citizens to resist fear-driven conformity. Education exposes people to diversity and complexity, reducing authoritarian appeal and strengthening democratic values alongside workforce skills.
Education has a long-recognized role in promoting community-driven values, like citizenship and democracy. That means working to help more people obtain credentials of value that will strengthen economic prosperity, while preserving human dignity and promoting active civic engagement.
Education is the foundation of resilient democracies everywhere. Colleges and universities nurture critical thinking, civic skills, and democratic participation. In a time of global democratic strain, colleges and universities must embrace their role in preparing active, engaged citizens. People with higher levels of education are more likely to vote, volunteer, and engage in civic life. Learn more about organizations leading the way.
The work of democracy is never finished—and higher education is essential to its future. Explore our partners, learn about Lumina’s mission, and join the effort to connect education and democracy worldwide.
