The University of Hawaiʻi (UH), along with its Board of Regents and President Wendy Hensel, has joined a nationwide initiative aimed at safeguarding the independent governance of colleges and universities from growing political pressures. More than 110 institutions and over 180 higher education leaders have signed a joint letter issued by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), reaffirming their commitment to preserving academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
The letter emphasizes the importance of maintaining independent decision-making power in higher education, particularly in matters involving admissions, curriculum, and hiring—decisions historically entrusted to governing boards. It warns that these principles are now under threat from attempts to impose ideological conformity or tie public funding to political agendas.
“Maintaining independence from political interference ensures we can fulfill that duty with integrity and focus on long-term institutional success,” said Gabe Lee, Chair of the UH Board of Regents. “The Board of Regents takes seriously its fiduciary responsibility to govern in the best interest of our students and communities.”
Call to Uphold Foundational Governance Principles
The statement references the historic 1819 U.S. Supreme Court case Dartmouth College v. Woodward, which affirmed the protection of educational institutions from political overreach. Though the ruling originally applied to private institutions, it has since shaped broader norms ensuring public institutions also operate independently. According to the AGB, today’s political climate has introduced renewed challenges to this autonomy, risking the integrity and effectiveness of American higher education.
Signatories of the letter are urging state and national leaders to respect the constitutional and historical precedent that shields academic institutions from political interference. The letter outlines growing concerns over efforts to influence university governance through legislative mandates or funding conditions that compromise a board’s ability to make unbiased decisions based on the needs of its students and academic mission.
University of Hawai ‘s participation in this effort signals a strong stance in favor of institutional self-governance, aligning itself with a national coalition that includes board chairs, presidents, accreditation officials, and foundation leaders united around the principle of educational independence.
University of Hawai A Unified Defense of Higher Education’s Role in Democracy
The letter also outlines a broader argument: that the independence of university governance is not merely an academic concern, but a fundamental aspect of American democracy, economic innovation, and global leadership. According to the AGB, insulating institutions from political orthodoxy allows them to function as spaces for free inquiry, diverse thought, and societal advancement.
The statement ends with a call to action, urging policymakers and stakeholders to uphold the autonomy of higher education institutions. It affirms that the future of American democracy is tied to the vitality of its colleges and universities, which must remain free to pursue truth and innovation without external interference.
By joining this national call, the University of Hawaiʻi reinforces its commitment to fostering an educational environment governed by integrity, independence, and a focus on the public good. The full letter and list of signatories can be accessed through the AGB website.
