Political attacks on higher education are increasing as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches. The Trump Administration and various state legislatures, alongside think tanks, categorize universities as adversarial, warranting funding cuts and censorship. Historically, higher education has played a vital role in the American experiment. Enlightenment ideas learned in 18th-century universities were crucial for independence. Founders like Thomas Jefferson were influenced by their education, specifically teachings from figures like Dr. William Small, who emphasized empirical science and natural rights, which shaped the Declaration's core principles.
The Trump Administration, state legislatures, and think tanks like the Heritage Foundation label universities as the enemy, justifying cuts in funding, censorship, and limitations on academic freedom.
Higher education has been crucial to the American experiment, as enlightenment ideas studied in universities during the 18th century motivated the independence movement against Great Britain.
Thomas Jefferson drew upon principles from his education, particularly those taught by Dr. William Small, to write the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the inherent rights of individuals.
Dr. William Small's teachings influenced Jefferson fundamentally, steering his understanding of natural rights and popular government from his college days at the College of William and Mary.
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