(March 11, 2025) —The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) has received a Mellon Foundation grant to fund an initiative aimed at supporting academic freedom and freedom of speech within higher education institutions. Trustees play a pivotal role in upholding institutional autonomy and fostering an environment where differing perspectives can thrive. The initiative aims to support higher education institutions in the areas of open inquiry and intellectual rigor and will provide trustees with educational resources, research, and opportunities for engagement on these issues.

“By expanding trustees’ understanding and commitment to free speech and academic freedom, we are reinforcing the foundation of higher education’s essential mission. We welcome additional partners who share this vision and want to contribute to its success,” said Mary Papazian, PhD, AGB executive vice president.

With over a century of leadership in higher education governance, AGB is uniquely positioned to advance this critical work. By empowering trustees with a deeper understanding of their role in the areas of academic freedom and free speech, this initiative will support colleges and universities in their vital role as centers of knowledge, discovery, and open dialogue for generations to come.

Trustees can participate in the initiative in several ways:

• Educational Engagement—Trustees can attend webinars, peer-to-peer discussions, and podcasts focused on board governance, academic freedom, and freedom of speech.
• Resource Development—Trustees can contribute to and utilize materials such as commissioned articles, practical guides for boards and presidents, and research reports.
• Conference Participation—Trustees can attend or present at national conferences, including the National Conference on Trusteeship and the Foundation Leadership Forum, which will feature sessions on academic freedom and free speech.
• Research and Surveys—Trustees may participate in surveys and focus groups designed to assess and enhance trustee understanding of governance challenges related to academic freedom and free speech.
• Institute Participation—Selected board leaders and presidents will engage in an Advanced Institute for Board Independence, Academic Freedom, and Free Speech, where they will collaborate to develop best practices.
• Digital Engagement—Trustees can access grant-funded project materials via an online microsite, engage with promotional videos, and utilize the AGB Board Bot™, an interactive chatbot trained on AGB’s knowledge base for ongoing governance guidance.