In this and all future moments, the Alliance for Higher Education will serve as a champion of the sector, dedicated to upholding and advancing the free exchange of ideas, inclusive practices, and independent governance. Because higher education is a pillar of a democratic and free society, the Alliance’s membership includes a diverse range of stakeholders inside and outside of the higher education sector.
The Alliance believes:
Knowledge should not be criminalized, banning learning is wrong, and the freedom to teach the truth is vital to a flourishing democracy. This is the Academic Freedom we will defend.
All students thrive when their individual needs are recognized and met. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances, and we commit to teaching all of them and representing the breadth of their stories and experiences. For democracy to deliver on its promises, all who desire higher education must have the opportunity to pursue knowledge, acquire skills and training, and share the benefits that come from higher education when delivered as a robust common good. This is the Equity we commit to.
Our country was founded on the values of independence and freedom from government coercion. Higher education entities should therefore govern themselves in alignment with their educational and scholarly missions, and with the pluralistic, truth-seeking values that are essential to democracy. Institutional decision-making and sector autonomy without partisan interference is the cornerstone of Educational Liberty.
The Alliance for Higher Education exists to serve as the vital advocate for those principles that are foundational to a just and democratic society. The work of the Alliance is to empower colleges and universities, professional and academic associations, membership organizations representing faculty, students, and staff, and all other higher educational entities that advance our shared values. The ultimate aim is to foster environments where inquiry and expression are protected, diverse communities are valued, and institutions can make decisions free from undue interference.