RALEIGH, N.C. (September 3, 2025) — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal has released a new report, From Purpose to Politics: The Decline of Three Liberal Arts Institutions, authored by research and policy fellow Shannon Watkins.
Once pillars of Western civilization, American universities have drifted from their original mission of teaching the classical liberal arts and preparing future leaders. Instead, they have increasingly embraced critical theory and grievance studies.
This report examines both the historical context and recent changes at three private, highly selective liberal arts colleges:
- Davidson College
- Washington and Lee University
- Williams College.
“These schools are almost unrecognizable compared to their early years,” said Shannon Watkins, the author of the report.
The report provides at-a-glance information: tuition and fees, enrollment data, among others, about these institutions. It also documents their original mission statements and compares them to today’s stated “primary purpose.”
The author offers insight into how these elite colleges have drifted from their original mission, while addressing the following issues:
- Free Speech
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Curriculum changes.
“It is important to show how the curriculum at these schools has transformed,” said Shannon Watkins, the author of the report. “Once homes of rigorous Latin and Greek classes, colleges across the nation now host ideologically driven programs.”
Jenna Robinson, president of the Martin Center, emphasized the report’s significance. “From Purpose to Politics is a timely and much-needed look at our elite institutions. It documents their decline, but it also points to a path forward.”
From Purpose to Politics: The Decline of Three Liberal Arts Institutions is available HERE.