The University of Austin (UATX), a new college that promotes open debate as in “shout-nothing- but-say-anything,” caught the attention of CBS News. The report asks, “Will this be … a true disrupter, resetting the marketplace of ideas?
From UATX students: “Fearless pursuit of truth to me is I have this kind of mentality that the best way that you should go about your life is to always assume that you’re wrong in some capacity. That’s why I’m at this school. I want them to be challenged…”
From UATX leaders: “It’s terribly important that the United States improves, reforms, revitalizes its universities. It seemed like universities were the places where you could think most freely, and speak most freely, and take the most intellectual risk. And at some point, it changed in a way that began to stifle free expression.”
The values and principles that animate UATX resonate with those of NAAE:
AD EXCELLENTIAM: “Deliberately challenge and empower students while providing foundational knowledge derived from classical humanities and hard and social sciences, as required for the development of the complete human person.”
HUMANITAS SEMPER: “Ensure exploration of philosophies free from censorship or retribution, instill integrity and responsible behaviors, and systemically address lapses — institutions must cultivate an environment rooted in strong ethical standards that emphasize honesty, transparency, and respect for the interconnectedness of humanity.”
For more, go to CBS 60 Minutes by Jon Wertheim: UATX launches, touting ideological openness and debate