Conservatives Look to Reshape Higher Ed Under Trump

As Donald Trump approaches his presidency, conservatives see an opportunity. Universities, typically a minor topic in politics, were a regular theme in Trump's campaign. He and his running mate, JD Vance, targeted elite schools, their costs, and politics. This has inspired right-wing activists, congressional staffers, and conservative thinkers to push a new agenda. They want to use federal funding, accreditation boards, and congressional investigations to transform higher education. One influential figure is Christopher Rufo. He gained fame by criticizing critical race theory and is now focusing on higher education.

Rufo and others want universities to stop promoting anti-American and anticapitalist ideologies. One key institution they admire is Hillsdale College in Michigan. It's known for its classical education based on Western thought and has no diversity and inclusion policies. Larry Arnn, the college's president, wants universities to focus on knowledge, not power. Rep. Virginia Foxx has also been influential, using her position to expose anti-American values at elite colleges. Higher education watchers expect these conservatives to continue shaping policy, even if Trump doesn't officially tap them.

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