Opponents of Academic Freedom Get the History of Classical Education Wrong

Introduction

Academic freedom in the United States is currently under siege. The attack on this vital principle includes state censorship of educational materials and classroom discussions, bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and even proposals to dismantle tenure and faculty governance. In some cases, political figures have pushed for the takeover of higher education to serve hyper-partisan interests. This alarming trend contradicts the foundational principles of classical education, which has historically championed the freedom of scholars to teach and students to learn without undue interference. 

Section 1: The Assault on Academic Freedom

Recent actions by right-wing officials have escalated this assault on academic freedom. For example, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin instructed his appointees to university boards to act as extensions of the executive branch, undermining the autonomy of higher education institutions. Similarly, during oral arguments in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, a lawyer representing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' administration argued that professors' speech in classrooms could be restricted by the government as it represents "the government’s speech."

Organizations like the conservative Heritage Foundation justify these takeovers under the guise of restoring "classical education." However, these actions misunderstand and misrepresent the true history and principles of classical education.

Section 2: The Origins of Academic Freedom in Classical Education

Classical education, dating back centuries, has always been rooted in the idea that educators should have the freedom to teach their subjects without external interference, and students should have the liberty to pursue knowledge freely. This concept of academic freedom was integral to the formation of early universities in medieval Europe.

The University of Bologna, established in 1088 AD, is often cited as the first university in the Western world. It originated as a self-governing entity, where students and scholars were free to explore knowledge without fear of repression. This model was replicated by subsequent universities, including the University of Paris and the University of Cambridge.

Section 3: The Role of Academic Freedom in Promoting Individual Liberties

The concept of academic freedom, which began in medieval times, played a crucial role in the development of individual liberties during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Medieval universities operated with a degree of autonomy that allowed them to cultivate and disseminate knowledge across borders. This autonomy was safeguarded by rights and privileges granted by figures like Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I, who issued the Authentica Habita in 1155, providing scholars with protections akin to those enjoyed by the clergy.

These protections enabled scholars to pursue cross-cultural exchanges, which were essential to the development of a robust educational system. For instance, the influence of Muslim-Arab scholars on European education during this period was profound, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of classical knowledge.

Section 4: Academic Freedom as a Catalyst for Revolutionary Change

Over time, academic freedom laid the groundwork for significant revolutionary changes in Western society. The scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries, the Protestant Reformation, and the Enlightenment were all driven, in part, by the freedoms that scholars had to question prevailing dogmas and explore new ideas.

Enlightenment-era universities continued to promote the idea that education could serve as a source of liberation from political and religious dogmas. This was a historical echo of the earlier traditions of academic freedom that had emerged in medieval universities. The freedom to think independently and govern academic institutions without external interference was crucial to the expansion of individual liberties.

Section 5: The Modern Threat to Academic Freedom

Today, the principles of independent thought and self-governance that academic freedom symbolizes are under threat in the United States. Propagandists and political pundits often dismiss academic freedom as a nebulous concept and attack tenure as an unnecessary privilege. The idea of universities as mere extensions of state power is not only a regression from the principles established in medieval times but also a clear threat to the very foundation of higher education.

The rhetoric of reclaiming higher education to defend Western culture fundamentally misconstrues the history of classical education. Multiculturalism, now a major target of right-wing rhetoric, was integral to the origins of university education in Europe. The classical education that conservatives claim to safeguard was made possible by the academic freedom that allowed for the exchange of ideas across cultures and disciplines.

Conclusion

The assault on academic freedom in the United States today is both unenlightened and authoritarian. It erodes not only the public goods of higher education but also vital elements of the Western tradition at its best. To truly honor the principles of classical education, we must defend the freedom of scholars and students to explore knowledge without fear of political reprisal. The history of academic freedom is a testament to the importance of independent thought and self-governance — values that are essential to the progress of society and the flourishing of individual liberties.