Government Interference in Private Universities

Posted April 25, 2025 – I saw a post about government interference in private universities, and I gotta say, I respect where my friend is comin’ from. He’s right; academic institutions should be focused on the pursuit of knowledge, and that’s a noble goal. However, I’d like to offer a slightly different perspective, my friend.

Growin’ up, I learned that with freedom comes responsibility, and that’s especially true when it comes to private universities. Now, I’m not sayin’ that private universities should be dictated to by the government, but I am sayin’ that if they choose to take taxpayer money, they should be prepared to follow the rules that come with it. It’s a simple trade-off, really.

See, down here in Georgia (and all across this great country), we’ve got plenty of stellar Christian universities—like Liberty, Regent, or my Louisiana neighbor, Louisiana College—that operate without a dime of taxpayer money. Why? Because they know funding comes with strings, and those strings can turn into shackles faster than a gator spotting a poodle in a kiddie pool.  

Now, just think for a second. If some of these well-endowed, private institutions that do take taxpayer money were to decide, “You know what? We’re rich enough; we’ll fund ourselves and maintain our full independence,” then that taxpayer funding could be redirected. What benefits could come from redirecting that government funding?

• Boosting Public Universities: That money could go to our state schools, makin’ education more affordable and accessible for more folks, or improving facilities and research that directly benefit the public.

• Technical & Vocational Training: Maybe it could fund trades schools, teachin’ young people skills this country desperately needs.

• Basic Research: Redirected funds could support fundamental research programs with clear public benefit, like medical breakthroughs or agricultural improvements, directly overseen by public bodies.

• Easing Taxpayer Burden: Or, shucks, maybe it could even just stay in the taxpayers’ pockets!

In fact, by givin’ private universities the freedom to operate without government funding, we’re actually promotin’ a more diverse and vibrant academic landscape. It’s a chance for innovation and creativity to flourish, unencumbered by bureaucratic red tape.

So, while I understand your concerns about government interference, I think it’s worth considerin’ the other side of the coin. Private universities can do anything they want, as long as they’re willin’ to forgo taxpayer money. And that’s a choice that’s worth makin’, if you ask me.

Best regards, Dean Burnette