The University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents has recommended a series of significant changes to policies affecting the state’s 26 public colleges and universities.
These revisions include a commitment to institutional neutrality on political and social issues, the prohibition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) tactics, and a new mandate for students to study foundational American documents beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The University System of Georgia oversees not only the state’s colleges and universities but also the Georgia Archives and the Georgia Public Library Service.
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The proposed revisions aim to strengthen academic communities and ensure that USG institutions remain focused on their core educational mission.
One of the key changes in the proposed policy is the reinforcement of neutrality on social and political issues. “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 of Regents’ revisions state.
This policy is designed to prevent institutions from engaging in political or ideological advocacy that could undermine the educational process.
In addition to promoting neutrality, the Board of Regents has taken a strong stance against ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths.
The new policy explicitly bans diversity statements and similar declarations from being part of the admissions process, hiring decisions, and employee training programs. “Ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements,” will not be allowed, according to the board’s 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 outlines.
Similarly, hiring decisions will be based solely on an individual’s qualifications. “The basis and determining factor for employment will be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role,” the policy reads, ensuring that candidates are selected based on their merit rather than political ideology.
Another major change proposed by the Board of Regents is the requirement for students to engage in a comprehensive study of foundational American documents as part of their civic instruction, beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The curriculum will include key texts such as the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Articles of Confederation, the Federalist Papers, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. Students will also study the Georgia Constitution and Bill of Rights.
The Board of Regents emphasized that these updates are designed to strengthen USG’s academic communities by fostering an environment where students can freely share their ideas and engage in objective scholarship.
“These proposed updates strengthen USG’s academic communities,” the Board told The Center Square. The revisions are intended to protect freedom of thought and ensure that students are exposed to diverse viewpoints and able to engage in civil discourse.
In a statement to The Center Square, the Board of Regents explained that the inclusion of primary sources from America’s founding was necessary to uphold higher education’s duty 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.
The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to equal opportunity and merit-based decision-making, particularly in admissions and hiring.
“Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of USG,” the Board of Regents stated, making it clear that personal beliefs should not influence hiring or admissions decisions.
The proposed policies reflect a broader movement within USG to model and promote viewpoint diversity, encourage civil discourse, and foster the open exchange of ideas on campus.
The Board of Regents emphasized that these measures would ensure USG institutions remain neutral on political and social issues while cultivating an environment where students and faculty can engage in meaningful discussions.
In addition to these revisions, the USG Board of Regents has also been involved in broader debates over national issues, such as advocating for the NCAA to ban transgender-identifying men from participating in women’s sports, aligning with similar policies in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
These actions demonstrate USG’s continued push to align its policies with conservative values and to create educational environments where freedom of speech and academic rigor are prioritized.
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