Democracy's Campus 2036

A shared, visionary blueprint to reclaim higher education as the fifth pillar of democracy reflective of a diverse society.

In February 2026, the Alliance convened more than 50 cross-sector organizations and institutions to begin developing a forward-looking vision and blueprint that reaffirms higher education’s role as an engine for democracy. From this meeting, a working group was established to outline the recommendations and actions necessary to influence current and future conditions to achieve the following core values:

To reaffirm higher education’s unwavering alignment with the American ideals of developing a more perfect union that provides access and achievement for all
To establish an unapologetic, visionary commitment to ensuring people from all walks of life are represented, belong, and thrive in our institutions
To commit to an education system where the curriculum reflects the diversity of our nation
To value the power of each higher education institution type in delivery on democratic ideals
To place primacy on ensuring institutional autonomy
To consider accessible, affordable education as a fundamental right of all people
To advance sector-wide accountability for how higher education is advancing a democratic and equitable society, and for improving achievement of holistic student outcomes

The full blueprint will be released in late 2026.
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