The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents has proposed sweeping policy changes that will reshape the state’s 26 public colleges and universities. The revisions aim to reinforce institutional neutrality on political and social issues, eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and introduce a mandatory civic curriculum centered on foundational American documents.
These changes, set to take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year, underscore a significant shift in the focus of higher education within Georgia, aligning with broader conservative trends in academia.
At the core of the proposed revisions is a commitment to neutrality. The USG Board of Regents has stated that institutions must remain neutral on political and social issues unless directly tied to their educational mission.
“USG institutions shall remain neutral on social and political issues unless such an issue is directly related to the institution’s core mission,” the Board’s statement reads. This policy is intended to curb political or ideological advocacy within academic settings, ensuring that the educational process remains free of bias.
To bolster this neutrality, the policy also bans “ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths” in admissions, hiring, and employee training programs. Diversity statements, often used in hiring and admissions processes, are explicitly prohibited under the new guidelines.
“No applicant for admission shall be asked to or required to affirmatively ascribe to or opine about political beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles as a condition for admission,” the policy states. Similarly, hiring decisions will be based solely on merit.
“The determining factor for employment will be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role,” the Board emphasized.
Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, students enrolled in Georgia’s public universities will be required to study key documents foundational to American democracy. This new civic curriculum includes the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Federalist Papers, the Gettysburg Address, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, among others.
Georgia-specific texts, such as the state’s Constitution and Bill of Rights, will also be included.
The Board of Regents framed this change as a necessary measure to prepare students for responsible citizenship. “Colleges and universities must prepare [students] to be contributing members of society and to understand the ideals of freedom and democracy that make America so exceptional,” the Board said in a statement.
The Board of Regents has reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based decisions in admissions and hiring. “Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of USG,” the Board declared. Personal beliefs and political ideologies, under the new policy, will not influence institutional decisions.
These revisions reflect a broader movement within the USG to model and promote viewpoint diversity, encourage civil discourse, and foster the open exchange of ideas. The Board emphasized that these measures are intended to create environments where students and faculty can freely engage in meaningful discussions.
“These proposed updates strengthen USG’s academic communities,” the Board explained. By emphasizing foundational texts and fostering open dialogue, the Board aims to ensure students are exposed to a wide array of perspectives.
The proposed policies are part of a larger push by the USG to align with conservative educational values. In addition to banning DEI practices, the Board has been involved in national debates, such as advocating for the NCAA to prohibit transgender-identifying men from competing in women’s sports.
These changes have sparked national attention, reflecting a growing trend of states revisiting the role of DEI initiatives in education. Critics argue that such policies limit inclusivity, while supporters claim they protect free speech and merit-based decision-making.
The Board of Regents views these changes as a means to strengthen the academic mission of Georgia’s public universities. “The inclusion of primary sources from America’s founding is a return to higher education’s duty to prepare students for responsible citizenship,” the Board stated.
By focusing on neutral policies and foundational civic education, the USG aims to foster an environment that prioritizes academic rigor, intellectual diversity, and freedom of thought. These reforms, the Board believes, will better prepare students for their roles as informed and engaged citizens.
As these policies take effect, they are likely to become a flashpoint in the national conversation about the role of higher education in shaping societal values. Whether this shift will achieve its intended goals of neutrality and merit-based decision-making remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a new era for the University System of Georgia.
