AUGUST 1, 2024, NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Heterodox Academy (HxA), the non-partisan, non-profit membership organization committed to improving institutions of higher education by advocating principles of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement, announces the formation of a policy team headed by Joe Cohn to focus on institutional and public policy in higher education.

Cohn earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a master's degree in Government Administration from its Fels Institute of Government. Cohn comes to HxA from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) where he built and led the policy and legislative team for 12 years. His tenure at FIRE was marked by significant contributions to higher education law and government relations, as he developed a reputation for advocating tirelessly for free speech and civil liberties on campuses nationwide.

“Improving higher education is critical for our democracy because colleges and universities will produce our next generations of leaders,” said Cohn. “I’m honored to lead HxA’s advocacy because it is uniquely equipped to earn the trust of campus administrators and government leaders alike, and guide them to policies that unlock our higher education system’s full potential.”

Earlier this year, Cohn stepped down from his role at FIRE to pursue a run for Congress (D-NJ), demonstrating his dedication to public service and policy reform. Now, he brings his expertise to HxA, where he will work with members to share HxA ideas with institutional policymakers, public policymakers, and other stakeholders across higher education.

Joining Cohn on the HxA policy team is Raheem Williams, who will be serving as HxA’s Policy Analyst. Willams has an extensive background in policy including through work with the Reason Foundation, Do No Harm, and the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. He has also recently been involved in institutional policy questions as a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania.

"We are delighted to welcome Joe and Raheem to HxA. Their combined expertise, passion for higher education reform, and dedication to open inquiry will significantly enhance our efforts to elevate our universities,” shared John Tomasi, President of HxA.“ Joe and Raheem's bipartisan approach and shared values resonate deeply with HxA's mission, and we are confident that their contributions will make a lasting impact on the academy."

The establishment of a policy team at HxA marks the organization’s commitment to promoting culture, programs, and policies that support our universities as truth-seeking, knowledge-generating institutions grounded in open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement. 

Earlier this year, HxA published its first policy model, Extraordinary U: The HxA Model of Statement Neutrality, which called for colleges and universities to remain neutral in public statements about political matters that are not explicitly and directly related to the university mission.

HxA’s expanded work in institutional and public policy is made possible by a grant from the Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation.