College Presidents Advocate for Traditional Values

A panel of four college presidents discussed strategies to promote traditional values and reshape higher education. They suggested that experiences like wilderness backpacking before college or requiring students to work in lieu of tuition could be beneficial.

The U.S. Department of Education could contribute by protecting students from discrimination, shifting federal investments away from certain ideologies, and holding universities accountable. This was the perspective of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs at the Department of Education.

The panel consisted of college Presidents from College of the Ozarks, Grand Canyon University, Christendom College, and Wyoming Catholic College. They discussed the importance of universities shaping their internal culture and taking a stance in the broader culture.

College of the Ozarks, for example, hires professors who integrate Christianity into their work and maintains single-sex dorms. The goal is to safeguard the internal culture while also making a strong statement in the wider world.

Grand Canyon University aims to provide an affordable education rooted in a biblical worldview. Students are expected to understand and accept this perspective.

Christendom College focuses on a liberal arts education, mentorship, and a strong spiritual core. Faculty members take an oath of fidelity to the Catholic Church's teachings. The college is transparent about its commitments, aiming to form students spiritually, personally, and intellectually.

Wyoming Catholic College seeks to shape students through Catholicism and the natural world. Students participate in a 21-day backpacking trip before their freshman year and engage in outdoor trips throughout their college career. The college draws inspiration from Plato's "Republic," encouraging students to avoid distractions and cultivate their imagination and physical well-being. Cell phones and dorm Wi-Fi are not permitted.

All four presidents emphasized the importance of affordable, high-quality education. Some institutions, like Christendom College and Wyoming Catholic College, rely on donations rather than federal funding. College of the Ozarks allows students to graduate debt-free by requiring them to work 15 hours per week, earning the college the nickname "Hard Work U.