Officials at the University of Texas-Austin announced a dramatic expansion of its classical education program.
Speaking under the iconic university tower, Kevin Eltife, chair of the UT System Board of Regents, announced the regents’ $100 million commitment to UT-Austin’s School of Civic Leadership on Thursday.
The new school is advertised to grow “citizens who understand the ideas and institutions that have made free, prosperous societies possible.”
Flanked by Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Eltife said higher education “must be listening and open to change.”
He stated he wanted the University of Texas institutions at the forefront of reform, adding that he hopes to “help ensure freedom and liberty continue to flourish in the great state of Texas.”
Abbott spoke about how universities, including the University of Texas, have departed from these principles in recent decades. “Today that changes,” Abbott said. His comments are a distinct departure from his first term when he faced criticism for allowing left-wing monoculture to entrench itself on campus.
Patrick predicted, “This will lead other institutions around the country to follow” UT-Austin’s lead. “The state of Texas needs a vibrant University of Texas,” he added.
Of equal importance to the substance of Thursday’s event was its implied symbolism, which subtly—though firmly—communicated to Longhorn Nation that this initiative has total institutional support. The entire board of regents attended, along with political luminaries.
UT Athletic Director Chris del Conte also attended the event and posted that it was a “great day” for the university.
The School for Civic Leadership has been a source of significant controversy since its emergence. Patrick first proposed it in 2021 and included seed funding in the state budget. From the beginning, it engendered significant pushback.
It opened in 2023 and has hosted events since, focusing on topics such as freedom, virtue, the American founding, and the history of Western Civilization.
