February 15, 2023, New York, NY — Heterodox Academy (HxA), a non-partisan organization dedicated to improving institutions of higher education by advocating for principles of viewpoint diversity, open inquiry, and constructive disagreement, announced that it has received a multi-million dollar grant from Templeton Religion Trust to open The Center for Academic Pluralism in New York City.

The Center for Academic Pluralism will produce and disseminate scholarship to improve the climate of discourse within higher education, and advance HxA’s mission. Research fellows working at The Center will undertake advanced, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of intellectual pluralism and their fields of expertise. 

“Heterodox Academy has identified 5,500+ professors and administrators who are willing to stand up for free expression and open inquiry on their campuses,” said John Tomasi, President of Heterodox Academy. “But to be effective, our members need fresh approaches and cutting-edge empirical data that show why universities benefit from intellectual pluralism. The Center will bring HxA’s brightest minds into residence in NYC, to renew the case for academic pluralism.”

The Center for Academic Pluralism continues HxA’s effort in 2023 to increase its impact on college campuses. By bringing together scholars at The Center to conduct research, assemble data, and host events, HxA aims to bring actionable ideas to campuses across the nation, with the ultimate goal to improve campus culture, climate, and practices. By creating the Center, together with HxA’s recent launch of its Campus Community Network of 23 campuses across North America, HxA is demonstrating how collaborative organizing and research can empower advocates of open inquiry and viewpoint diversity on college campuses. 

“In academic life, intellectual pluralism isn't a bug, it's a feature,” said Michael Regnier, Executive Director of Heterodox Academy. “HxA is excited to bring visiting scholars to our intellectual community, to help elevate and enrich the work of higher education across the country, and around the world."

The Center for Academic Pluralism at HxA plans to open its doors in New York in summer 2023. HxA is currently recruiting its first cohort of scholars.

Visit www.heterodoxacademy.org/cap to learn more.

About Heterodox Academy

Heterodox Academy is a New York City-based nonpartisan nonprofit that works to improve the quality of research and education by promoting viewpoint diversity, open inquiry, and constructive disagreement across higher education. The HxA membership is made up of more than 5,500 faculty, staff, and students who come from a range of institutions — from large research universities to community colleges. They represent nearly every discipline and are distributed throughout 49 states and across the globe.

About Templeton Religion Trust

Templeton Religion Trust (TRT) is a global charitable trust chartered by Sir John Templeton in 1984 with headquarters in Nassau, The Bahamas. TRT has been active since 2012 and supports projects as well as storytelling related to projects seeking to enrich the conversation about religion. Their aim is to improve the well-being of individuals and societies through spiritual growth and an ever-improving understanding of spiritual realities and spiritual information.

Contact

Nicole Barbaro

Director of Communications

press@heterodoxacademy.org